Hello,
I had a question regarding a runner interference call during our game and wanted to better understand the ruling.
The situation was bases loaded with a hard-hit ground ball to shortstop. The shortstop attempted to field the ball, but the ball bounced off his glove. After deflecting off the glove, the ball then struck the runner who was advancing to third base and was behind the fielder at the time of contact. The umpire ruled the runner out for interference.
My understanding of the rule is that once a batted ball touches an infielder, the runner is generally no longer automatically out if subsequently hit by the ball, unless the runner intentionally interferes or another infielder still has an opportunity to make a play.
Since the runner was behind the shortstop, advancing normally, and the ball had already been touched by the fielder before making contact with the runner, I wanted to ask if this situation would still be considered runner interference under the applicable rules being used for the tournament.
I appreciate your time and clarification.
Thank you
