Is there a hole in 8-7-J

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by rwest

Situation:

Bases loaded. R1 on 3rd; R2 on 2nd; R3 on 1st. B4 hits a ground ball to F4. R3 intentionally interferes with F4 and in the opinion of the umpire was done to prevent a double play.

How did R3 interfere? Was R3 already out at the time of the INT? This is important as that would take the BR out of the equation.

Based on 8-7-J the umpire is supposed to rule the trailing runner out. However, we don't have a trailing runner, we have a trailing batter-runner. So you can't use 8-7-J to get B4 out. Not if we are literally interpreting the word "runner" as defined in rule 1.

If you want to be technical, B4 becomes a runner the moment you kill the ball on the INT call. You cannot send the BR back to the B position, so you must award the BR 1B which, by rule definition, makes that player a runner.

I don't believe we can use 8-2-K if we don't believe they are attempting to "complete the play on the batter-runner". In this case if F4 appears to be going home for the force out, 8-2-K doesn't apply.

If you don't believe part of the play included completing a play on the BR, than I don't believe you can apply 8.7.J.Effect.

So is there a hole in 8-7-J? Can we get two outs on this play and if so, what rule are you using?

No and yes. See above.