Annual rant about poor NFHS test question writing

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

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Very Ambiguous

R1 is on first base; B2 is at bat with an 0-2 count and no outs. B2 swings at a third strike that is dropped by the catcher. B2 runs toward first base. As R1 is diving back to first base, B2 is hit in the back with F2's throw to first base and the ball goes out of play. What is the result of the play?
a. B2 is awarded second base; R1 is awarded third base.
b. B2 is declared out for interference; R1 remains at first base.
c. B2 is declared out for interference; R1 is awarded second base.
d. B2 has struck out; R1 remains at first base.
e. B2 has struck out and is charged with interference; R1 is declared out as the runner closest to home.
Explanation 8-6-16c Penalty
As discussed, it could be INT if judged so as hindering fielder’s catch, HTBT.
The throw was late enough that R1 had time to advance, react, then return to dive back.

Wait wait wait. There are no outs and 1st base is occupied. B2 swings at a third strike SO SHE HAS STRUCK OUT FULL STOP. Anything that happens after that is irrelevant to B2. B2's next destination is the dugout, not 2B.

Am I missing something here? B2 is out and R1 can be awarded 3B on the thrown ball to dead ball territory. Or maybe it's INT, although 8-6-16c says offensive team INT is not applicable to a BR running on the dropped third strike rule. HTBT, of course. This player is NOT entitled to run as a BR under the D3K rule, though; she's out already. Answer: (f), no correct answer but (e) is plausible. A thrown ball has gone out of play, so absent an INT ruling, R1 isn't staying at 1B. (A) is the least correct answer, because it's wrong unless I have completely boned the third-strike rule.