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Here is one from the IHSA (Illinois) test that I have an issue with:
With R1 at 1st, one out, R1 is stealing on the pitch. B3 hits a line drive to F3's right. F3 dives and catches the ball for the second out. While F3 is lying on the ground, R1 dives over F3's prone body and gets back to first base before F3 is able to tag either R1 or the base.
A. R1 is guilty of interference
B. R1 is out for diving over F3
C. F3 is guilty of obstruction and R1 is awarded second base
D. Legal play
According to 8-4-2b(2): Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. (2-32-1, 2) Jumping, hurdling, and leaping are all legal attempts to avoid a fielder as long as the fielder is lying on the ground. Diving over a fielder is illegal.
PENALTY: The runner is out. Interference is called and the ball is dead immediately. On a force-play slide with less than two outs, the runner is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. Runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. With two outs, the runner is declared out. The batter is credited with a fielder’s choice.
My guess is that "B" is the answer they are looking for. However, it seems to me that they should accept "A" as well. What say you?
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