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Originally Posted by drh898
Ok, so if there was no intentional interference (in ump's thinking) by runner on base and the fielder may have had a chance to make a play the ball is dead, batter awarded 1st, runners advance 1 base. If the ball hits the runner (still no intent) fielder had no chance on play (in ump's thinking) ball is live? What if the ball hits the runner (no interference) but causes ball to change direction enabling fielder to make a play somewhere. Seems the offense is penalized for something that was not intentional interference or is it tough luck? Or maybe I'm missing something?
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If the nearest defender is behind the runner when hit by the FAIR batted ball, the ball is dead, the BR is awarded 1B and only runners forced move up one base. If the defender was not behind the runner when hit by the FAIR batted ball, the ball remains live.
If contact with the FAIR batted ball was intentional regardless of the location of the defender, the runner is out for INT. If the umpire believes the action was an attempt to prevent a double play (and this play must be available), the R/BR who, in the umpire's judgement, would have been out had the INT not occurred is retired.