How Did They Reach This Compromise?

[cshs81]

Reds/Nationals - R1, one out. Batter tries to bunt for hit. Ball dies right in front of plate. F2 picks it up and as he's throwing to 2nd base for the force , the first base umpire is yelling "Foul ball - the ball hit the batter while he was in the box."

Meanwhile, the defense completes the DP on the BR.

BR clearly slows down and nearly stops about 45 feet from first base as he sees the first base umpire signaling foul ball.

Defense manager comes out to argue saying it did not hit him. (replays back him up).

After the umpires conference, they call R1 out on the force BUT they award the batter first base.

Any ideas how they would have arrived at that?