Interference/Deflected off the pitcher

[jwwashburn]

Speaking NFHS

In a rules meeting the other day, a new umpire asked something and I did not have a good answer.

We read and re-read the book.

Runner interferes with SS making an initial play on the ball and she is out.

Runner interferes with SS making a play on a grounder after the ball deflects off the pitcher and she is out.

Runner is right in front of SS after the ball deflects off the pitcher and it hits the runner and the runner is NOT out. (unless, she interfered intentionally, of course)

The new guy asks me how this makes any sense. I guess I had never thought of it this way.

Comments?

Joe in Texas