NFHS SB RUle 8-2-6

[WRSCULL]

I have a question about NFHS SB Rule 8-2-6. It is being presented to me that, as the rule indicates, a BR is out, no questions asked, if she interferes with the catcher making a play on a dropped third strike. I have been advised by interpretative sources that it does not matter if the catcher deflected the D3K under the runners feet, onto the opposite side of the batters body, or onto her foot. If she begins to run and unintentionally kicks the deflected ball, runs into the catcher coming across the plate to field the deflected ball, or any other potential scenario, the runner is out. I have a hard time understanding that a runner could be penalized for an error by the defense, without intent or other gross (apparently intentional) errant action or inaction. Below is a case play from USSSA, which mirrors the NFHS rule set.

Situation #5: There are no runners on base with two outs; B3 has a count of 3 balls and 2 strikes. On the next pitch B3 swings and misses. The ball bounces off F2's shin guards and lands in front of home plate. As F2 moves out to field the ball, B3 runs into her, knocking her down. Ruling?

Situation #5: Ruling: This is interference. The umpire would call "dead ball" and rule the batter-runner out. In addition, if there were any runner's on base, they would be returned to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

Comments?

[mt 73]

It is still interference.
OBR baseball has the same ruling:

7.09
b) After a third strike he hinders the catcher in his attempt to field the ball.

Interference is interference be it intentional or not.

[WRSCULL]

With all due respect MT, your inference is not correct.

Though the rule [7.09(A)] may say that, the OBR interpretations clear the matter up. If the interference occurs within the vicinity of home plate, the ball is alive and in play, NO INTERFERENCE. If the potentially interfering act occurs up the first base line where the batter-runner had time to avoid the situation, then interference should be called. [MLBUM 2010 Interpretation #45] [PBUC Play 7.15] [JR 2008 Pg 106 / BR can ONLY be deemed to have interfered with a thrown (pitched) ball if he INTENTIONALLY interferes.]