[Manny A]

Had a lively discussion in a rules class last night regarding this FED case play:

8.2.5 SITUATION A: With the bases loaded, B4, who bats left-handed, hits a ground ball to F3, who is left-handed. The ball is just inside the foul line. F3 throws to F2, but hits B4, who is on her way to first base. B4 is in fair territory, but has not reached the 30-foot running lane. RULING: There is no violation, unless the batter-runner intentionally interfered with F3's throw.

I brought up the same scenario, but with a different twist: What would be the call if B4 was still in fair territory after reaching the running lane?

The applicable rules are as follows (paraphrasing except where necessary):

FED: 8-2-5 and ASA 8-2E: The BR is out when she runs outside the lane and interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base.

FED 8-2-6: The BR is out when she interferes with a fielder attempting to make an initial play, interferes with a fielder attempting to throw the ball, intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while out of the batter's box, etc.

ASA 8-2F: The BR is out when she interferes a fielder attempting to field a batted ball, a fielder attempting to throw the ball, a thrown ball while out of the batter's box, etc.

FED 8-2-7: The BR is out when she interferes with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate.

ASA 8-2G: The BR is out when she interferes with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an out at home plate.

There were two camps on this. One felt that the same ruling should apply as listed in the case play. The running lane doesn't come into play here since the throw was going to home, not to first. And there is no requirement for the BR to be in her lane except when the throw is going to first. The other camp felt that the BR is still required to move into the lane when running to first, and by not doing so, she may still be called for interference with the play at home under FED 8-2-7 and ASA 8-2G.

Your take?