Quote:
Originally Posted by WestMichiganBlue
Uncaught 3K pops forward out of catcher's mitt, and
(a) hits B-R's foot as she is running and deflects away from the catcher, or
(b) is deflected by B-R's foot away from catcher.
Both NFHS and ASA call a B-R out for interference on a dropped third strike. USSSA is a bit more detailed, calling the B-R out for "interfering with the catcher's attempt to field the ball after a third strike."
My assumption on the intent of this rule is to prevent physical contact between the B-R and F2, not to call interference because the loose ball hits the B-R or is hit by the B-R after F2 failed to catch the ball.
Is it fair to penalize the offense after the defense failed to catch the ball?
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You are absolutely correct. The batter should just be called out and there should be no U3K. After all, the offense failed to put the ball into play, so why penalize the defense?