Base Awards?

[cmcallm]

Here's the play: NCAA rules. Runner on 1st, two out, two strikes on the batter. The batter swings at a pitch in the dirt (strike three), which the catcher blocks and which rolls in front of the plate. The batter takes off for first and INADVERTANTLY kicks the ball, which rolls into the dugout.

Is there a penalty? Is there a base award? Who goes where?

This happened in a D3 tournament game this Spring! LONG discussion by umpires and coaches, and rule books were consulted (nothing specific found there). Umpires finally ruled since the kick was inadvertant, there was no interference on the batter. So far, so good. They also ruled that, since the defense did not cause the ball to go into the dugout, the batter would get first and the runner on first would get second. Do you agree?

cmcallm