Return and retouch after ball dead

[mikebran]

Disclaimer: Yes it is possible that this question in this exact form has been answered "correctly" sometime in the last 5 years. If so, I forgot.

Situation (even normal)

R1. No outs. Fly ball to Right-Center. R1 was off on the swing. Touches second base and is half way to third when Center fielder CATCHES FLY BALL and throws back to 1st, attempting to double up R1. This throw is wild and high and goes into DBT.

At time that ball became dead (out of play) the runner had started his retreat but had not touched 2nd, yet. Umpire calls time, announces YOU third base.

Runner, knowing what he must do, continues his retreat.. touches 2nd... touches 1st... then forward, touches 2nd, goes to third.

When ball is made LIVE defense makes appeal at 1st (or just tags runner standing on third).. and appeals leaving early (under rule 7.10 a b app ruling 2)

Is this runner out on this appeal, or was he entitled to retrace as he did?

This question is about the intepretation of App ruling 2 aftger 7.10 a and b. It makes me nutty that JEA doesn't use THIS example but rather one LIKE this but runner misses 2nd while retracing.

I have thought/remember being told.. that the touching after the missed or "left early base" (these are synomyous in this rule) must occur AFTER the ball is dead, to be appealable. Thus in my example.. I think the runner is hunky dory LEGAL.. as he had touched 2nd while ball was live. (first time).

IF IN EXAMPLE this runner had continued to run (remember his is between 2nd and 3rd when ball goes into DBT).. and went ahead and touched THIRD. THEN he did the retrace and the advance.. he would be out an a proper appeal as 7.10 (and stuff) does NOT allow him to legally go back and retouch 1st.

I am fully prepared to hear that this runner is out on appeal in BOTH cases however.