Dropped 3rd - what's the call?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by Dakota
A variation on the play previously discussed...

R1 on 1B, no outs. Count on B2: 2-2. B2 swings & misses, F2 drops the ball. B2 runs toward 1B. R1 runs toward 2B. PU shouts, "The batter is OUT." F2 throws to F3, hitting B2 on the left shoulder, over fair territory. At the time she is hit, B2's left foot is on the ground in fair territory. R1 continues on to 3B.

Whats the call?

SPEAKING ASA.

I think you are going to end up in the same discussion. To start with, the 3' lane has no bearing as it only applies to a BR interfering with a player receiving a throw to 1B trying to retire a runner or batter-runner. There is no BR, there is no play at 1B, therefore there is no interference if you follow the belief that the retired batter is treated the same as a runner or BR, and interference with a thrown ball must be intentional.
Lacking any guidance from ASA, it is basically DMC.

Let me add something to this discussion. Is there any reason this should not be considered a blocked ball? In the scenario above, since there was obviously no play on R1 at 1B, therefore no out to be made, just kill the ball. If R1 attained 2B before the ball became blocked, she stays. If not, back to 1B.

ASA Blocked Ball:

"A blocked ball is a batter or thrown ball that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game, or which touches any object that is not part of the official equipment or official playing area."