Line drive hits runner

[chapmaja]

Last night, 6th inning (final inning due to a time limit). Men's SP.

R1 on first base. B2 hits a line drive which hits R1, who left and just got back onto first base when he was hit (this is disputed by the defensive team). F3 was behind the bag and might have had a chance to make the catch had the ball not hit the runner.

What is the correct ruling?

We ruled the ball dead, runner is awarded 2nd base, batter is awarded first base. This ruling was based on my partner going to the state UIC for clarification earlier this team when the same thing happened to the defensive team.

What would have happened had the F3 been playing in and the ball was already by him, or he was nowhere close to being able to make a play?

The previous time it happened, it was a tie game, bottom of 7 and the bases were loaded. Ruling was ball dead, runners advance one base and the winning run was forced home.