Twins Interference @1st Base

[tcarilli]

NCAA 7-11-p

In running the last half of the distance from home plate to first base while the ball is being fielded to first base, the batter-runner runs outside the 3-foot restraining line or inside the foul line and, in so doing, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, except that the batter may go outside these lines to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball;

A.R. 1 -- If the batter-runner is outside the running lane and alters the throw or interferes with the attempted catch of the thrown ball or is hit by the throw, the batter-runner shall be called out. Exception --The batter-runner is permitted to exit the three-foot running lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base and for the sole purpose of touching first or attempting to avoid a tag. He may exit the running lane on his last stride or step if he has been running legally within the running lane up to that point.

The runner must run within the lane when the ball is being fielded to first base, if he wants to be exempt from a potential interference call. If this were and NCAA game, he did not comply with 7-11-p; he has therefore violated the rule. He did not comply with the AR either; one must be within the lane to exit the lane in the immediate vicinity of the bag.

This play really seems like a clear cut case of interference. The BR was never within the lane, therefore he is not entitled to the protection accorded a runner exiting the lane as it was not possible for him to exit.