Interfrence

Ball is bunted down the 1st base line, runner is in the the runners box, as the pitcher comes over to make the play she boots the ball into foul terrritory trips and makes contact with the runner. The catcher picks up the ball and throws runner out at 1st. If not for contact runner would have made it to 1st without being thrown out. Umpire called her out but I feel she should have been awarded 1st base on the contact made by the Pitcher. Anyone know what the rulling should be?

 

The interpetation the HS use is, the runner must avoid contact with a fielder who is making the initial play on a ball. If the fielder bobbles, boots, whatever term you want to insert, the ball, she is still protected by the interference rule for "a step and a reach". If the ball is within a step and a reach of the fielder, the runner must avoid contact.

 

If the pitcher made contact AFTER the failed attempt to field the ball and the runner had no impact on that failed attempt then I would have OBSTRUCTION on the pitcher and award 1st base.

 

Agreed.