R1 Interference

[Larry1953]

This play occurred early in Larry Dierker's managerial career in a game at LA. No outs, R1 breaks to 2B on hit and run. Bagwell comes off 1B about even with the bag. Biggio covers 2B and is about even with the bag. The batter hit a sharp grounder that hit R1 in the foot as he was running to second, about midway there. It seemed to be a clear case of RI, but Joe West ruled it was not. I think the explanation was the ball had passed both Bagwell and Biggio and no infielder had a chance to field it. I remember HS rules had/have? something about lines or vectors or somesuch but I do not think that goes for OBR. Anyway, this comes about fairly often and I think West kicked it - do y'all agree? I am sure J/R comments on this, what does it say? Could Dierker have lodged a valid protest as this was not judgment but a misinterpretation of the rules? Thanks!