Runner on base hit with batted ball

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by drh898

Ok, so if there was no intentional interference (in ump's thinking) by runner on base and the fielder may have had a chance to make a play the ball is dead, batter awarded 1st, runners advance 1 base.

FORCED runners advance 1 base, but otherwise ... correct.

If the ball hits the runner (still no intent) fielder had no chance on play (in ump's thinking) ball is live?

Correct.

What if the ball hits the runner (no interference) but causes ball to change direction enabling fielder to make a play somewhere. Seems the offense is penalized for something that was not intentional interference or is it tough luck?

They aren't really being penalized for anything... this is just like the ball taking an odd bounce off the base itself that allows defense to make a play they otherwise wouldn't have had a chance on.