Dead Ball...???

[bake17]

Hi Folks, got a weird one.(Fed Rules) Over throw at first base and the ball goes into a bat/helmet bag that was hanging on the fence in front of the dugout. The call on the field was a dead ball. The coach came out and claimed that at home plate the home coach said everything was in play, that the field was totally enclosed, and the umpires had agreed. The coach has lodged a protest even though an affected runner eventually scored. I told the umpire later that I would consider it the same as a ball getting trapped in equipment(ump or catcher or even bushes etc.)and award accordingly. I also would have done some preventative umping and got the bag inside the dugout. I believe the coach is digging on this one.

Thanks in advance for your welcomed comments...
Bake17