[Andy]

I just returned from two weeks in Park City, UT for the Triple Crown "World" Series. Great weather, decent softball, saw some old umpire friends, and met some new ones.

Had one interesting play this last week that I would like some opinions on:

16u, ASA rules, R1 on third, two outs, two strikes on the batter. I am BU.

Pitch is in the dirt and swung at for strike three. F2 does not catch the ball, but blocks it out in front of her. BR, seeing that the pitch was in the dirt, starts for first. The ball deflects off of F2 and into BR, who unintentionally kicks the ball down the first base line. F2 jumps out in front of the BR and starts toward the ball. Before F2 gets to the point where she can physically reach the ball and make a play, she intentionally (in my judgement) moves to block the BR from continuing to first base. F2 then takes a few steps to reach the ball and throws to first base to put the BR out. My PU partner has no call.

I'm interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions before I say what I called on the field.