Interesting scenario question

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by BlueDevilRef

Before looking at any other responses, and from my reading of your words, it is a four base award. Defense tipped a fair ball over the fence. The ball was flying fair when she hit it. Not any different if it lands before crossing fence or after. If this was same scenario but 20 feet closer to infield, it would be a fair ball and play would continue.

This was my thought as well, however the umpire in question, who is also in charge of officials for our state athletic association said it is a 2 base award.

As others have said, when a fair batted ball is deflected out of play it is a 2 base award. If this situation actually happened, as it was presented, I would have gotten it wrong.

I'm torn on my opinion of this rule. I think the rule is unfair because it takes away what would have been a fair ball and possible home run from the offense. At the same time, for the defense to come over and make a play to touch the ball, means they likely have made a very good play just to get in position for this to happen.

I think this situation is not the intent of the deflected out of play rule, but is a consequence of said rule. I think the reason for the rule is the balls that are line drives or hard grounders that deflect off the defender and bounds away into DBT. In that case the 2 base award is appropriate.