8-2-e Runners lane interference

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

So in the above mentioned scenario, is the B/R out or is R3 out? I assume it is delayed/immediate dead ball depending on if the throw actually contacted the runner or not?

In softball, interference is always an immediate dead ball, and the player who committed the interference is out (unless already out or not an active runner), and other runners return to the last base at the time of the interference.

The Fed ruling is silly, since that defensive "play" is mainly attractive for teams with poor defensive skills. Skilled teams merely return the ball to the pitcher, leaving all defensive options still open for runners off their bases. But, there are a lot of teams that can't do a couple of quick throws without a near 100% chance of an error. Hence, this is viewed as a real "play". JMO, of course.