Interference after error

[WestMichBlue]

"Keep in mind that "a step and a reach" involves actually interfering with the fielder, as in making contact."

Does it? Remember that I said that the fielder "pulled back." She was stepping and reaching for the ball, but flinched, or pulled back when she saw the runner coming at her (sliding).

"No, I would not call interference on your play, as I am
sure you did not."

No, I did not, though I really looked at it for what seemed a very long time before I walked away. I thought about the "one step" concept of protection for the fielder, but the slide seemed to take it away.

Supposing that the fielder did not flinch; suppose that she actually attempted to pick up the ball and was hit by the sliding runner. Suppose that contact prevented the defender from fielding the ball and making a play. Does this change your call?

WMB