Base Path (NF)

[agr8zebra]

Rule 2.3.2

ART. 2 . . . Base Path. The traditional path traveled by a runner who is attempting to advance to the next base. It is defined by a direct line between two bases and three feet on either side of that line, unless a fielder has the ball in her possession and she is within three feet of the runner and prepared to apply a tag. A base runner who attempts to avoid a tag by running more than three feet to either side of a fielder with the ball in her possession shall be declared out.

What is the meaning or purpose of the the 2nd sentence, the conjuctive part "unless a fielder has the ball in her possession and she is within three feet of the runner and prepared to apply a tag."

Does this mean she, the runner, can not diviate avoid the tag by going outside the tag even by a 6 iniches? If the fielder has the ball, and within 3 feet of the girl playing upon her?