[Andy]

I need some help with a ruling based on NCAA rules. I know what the ruling should be for ASA and HS, but was unable to find a clear answer in the NCAA book. The play:

0-2 count on the batter, no runners on base, pitch comes in, bounces in front of the plate, batter swings for strike three. Ball deflects off of F2 back toward home plate, B/R who has swung now recognizes that the D3K is in effect and starts toward first. As B/R is discarding her bat (still in her hands), the bat hits the ball and knocks it away from F2 trying to retrieve it. It is hard to describe, but there was no "intent" to knock the ball away, it was a completley incidental contact. In ASA and HS, I would rule the B/R out for interfering with a D3K, but unable to find a clear ruling for NCAA....Help?

A rule citing would also be useful.