Umpire Interference / Batter Interference

[dash_riprock]

I share your dilemma Bob. And generally, I loathe countermanding the literal rule. But I can't see penalizing the defense (negating an opportunity for an out) for an act by the umpire when clearly the intent of the rule is to nullify the act.

And since the NCAA says its baseball rules "essentially are the same as for professional baseball," I consider this difference to be an uncaught typo.