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High school fastpitch.Runners 1st and 2nd. One out. Pitcher throws 1st pitch, called ball.Both baserunners take average lead with pitch, maybe 6 feet for R1 and more like 10 feet for R2. Once ball is caught by catcher, both runners turn to go back to bases.Right-handed batter steps out with 1 foot to look for sign and takes short practice swing. Catcher, instead of returning ball to pitcher,goes behind batter like she thinks R2 is going to steal 3rd, and raised the ball as if to throw. Batters practice swing knocks ball out of catchers hand, but ball only rolls a few feet and no runners advance or attempt to advance. Field umpire says batter interfered with catcher's opportunity to make play on R2 and calls R2 out. Plate and field umpire discuss play and uphold decision. At-bat continues with 1 ball count, runner still at first and now 2 outs. Is this correct? Since R2 was nearly back to 2nd and couldn't have been picked, and neither runner advanced on play, how was defense harmed?
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