Question on a case play:

[Tru_in_Blu]

USA 8.2.F When the BR interferes:
3. With a thrown ball while out of the batter's box.

NOTE: If this interference is an attempt to break up a double play, the runner closest to home plate shall be called out.

Since the lead runner has been retired, and the BR then interferes with the thrown ball, at this point we have INT and an immediate dead ball.

If we then apply the penalty, who is the runner closest to home plate? NOT the retired runner, right? Who's next? R2?

Just reading the rule and trying to apply as written.

[josephrt1]

The rule as written (the Note in 8.2.F) does state the runner closest to home is out. In your scenario that would be R2 because R1 has already scored and presumably R2 is still running the bases. But its also hard to imagine in your scenario that a batter-runner hit in the back while running to first is attempting to break up a double play.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by josephrt1

The rule as written (the Note in 8.2.F) does state the runner closest to home is out. In your scenario that would be R2 because R1 has already scored and presumably R2 is still running the bases. But its also hard to imagine in your scenario that a batter-runner hit in the back while running to first is attempting to break up a double play.

OK, Joseph, your imagining gene needs a little tweaking. For your purposes only, IMAGINE that the BR while 34.5 feet from HP actually looks back towards HP and sees F2 throwing to F3 in an attempt to retire B4 at first base. In an effort to prevent the apparent DP, B4 swats the ball to the ground.

Also, R1 did not score, she was out on the force play at HP.

Now, please apply the appropriate rule(s).