HIT BASE RUNNER

[ERIC LAWTON]

This is a men's slow pitch softball question.

Bases loaded, no out. Batter hits the ball up the middle and hit the ground and then the runner still standing on second. What is the ruling?

[Jay R.]

It depends on the ruleset and possibly the positioning of infielders.

Under USA Softball rules, if the closest infielder was behind the base, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first, and forced runners advance one base; if the closest infielder was in front of the base, the contact means nothing, play on. Rules Supplement 44:

Under National Softball Association rules, the ball is always dead, the batter is awarded first, and forced runners advance one base. Rule 8-8, "Baserunner Not Out," part L:

I have played in a men's league that specifically used MLB rules as the base rule set, with heavy modifications for slow-pitch softball. In that case, the base affords no protection and the runner would be out unless the ball went "through or by an infielder." Rule 6.01(a), "It is interference by a batter or runner when," part 11:

[TOMUIC]

In USSSA SLOW PITCH, ball remains alive, and the runner is not out unless his act is intentional; if it’s an intentional act ,the ball is dead, the runner is out and runners remain where they are unless forced due to the batter being awarded first.