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If I felt malicious contact caused a defender to lose control of the ball, then I provide benefit of doubt to the defense. They will get the out in question. That's my judgment, not a rule interpretation. Malicious contact is a deliberate act. The action could impact the fielder's ability to gain an out elsewhere, and that should not be forgotten if further action of the fielder were possible. The defense will gain the benefit of doubt once again. That does not mean randomly declaring outs to penalize the offense. The playing action will dictate that judgment.
If the malicious contact occurred without the ability to retire the offense, then there is no need to apply the extra penalty if the rule you play by does not call for it. If the action is of such flagrancy that I feel further penalty is needed, then I will recommend further suspension of the player to the league, and it then becomes their decision if further penalty applies.
Just my opinion,
Freix
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