ASA - Batting out of Order

[David Emerling]

I think I'm going out of my mind!

I just had a discussion with a local softball umpire friend of mine regarding the ASA batting-out-of-order rule.

I'll just throw this VERY simple scenario out there and see what you guys think.

Situation: Bases empty, nobody out. Katie is scheduled to bat but an improper batter, Lizzy, comes to the plate. Lizzy grounds out.

Despite the fact that Lizzy made an out, the defense immediately appeals that she batted out of order. They want the PROPER batter, Katie, called out for failing to bat in the proper order -and- they want to keep the out made by the improper batter, Lizzy. Two outs!

Ruling?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN