Harry's Rules Review

Current Question:

R1, stealing, no out, 1-1 count. The batter takes the next pitch for a ball. The catcher attempts to throw out R1, but the throw sails into the outfield as R1 slides into second. The second baseman, covering, leaps for the ball and comes down on the runner lying on the ground. The runner attempts to get up but the two "tangle" together briefly. R1 is then thrown out on a very close play at third base by the centerfielder. What's your ruling?:

A. R1 is out. This is incidental contact under the theory of "tangle/untangle."
B. This is obstruction. The ball is dead immediately and R1 stays at second base.
C. This is obstruction. When R1 did not reach the base he would have reached, the ball is dead and he is awarded third base.

Last Question:

R1 stealing, R3, no out, 3-1 count. The batter attempts to check his swing on the next pitch and the plate umpire calls "ball four, no he didn't go!" As the BR steps across the plate while making his way to first base, he is hit with the catcher's throw in attempt to pick-off R3, and the ball is deflected out of play. After the awards of bases are made (R3, scores; R1, third base; and the BR, second base), the defense request that the plate umpire ask for help. He does and the base umpire declares that he offered at the pitch for strike three. What's your ruling?:

Ruling:

When the ball hits the BR, it is nothing because he is a runner and did nothing intentionally. The awards were properly applied. If the base umpire declares that the batter actually offered at the pitch, this changes the pitch from "ball four" to "strike two." This also means that the player hit is actually a batter still, and was when he was hit. Therefore, since he interfered while outside of the box, interference should be called. The batter is out for interference, and all other runners return to their bases, time of pitch. 6.06 (c)