Another You Make the Call

Speedy Runner (R1) is on first with 1 out. Batter lays down a sacrifice bunt. Pitcher comes up and fields the bunt and immediately throws to first to retire Batter-runner. R1 rounds second in an attempt to advance to third when the train wreck happens as she collides with the SS, who had moved to 2B to cover the bag. Both players are knocked to the ground injured. Ball is then thrown to 2B and R1 is tagged, as she is unable to get up and make it back to the bag. What is the call, if any? Third out and switch sides?

 

She is out, unless the umpire rules she impeded her way to the bag.

 

I would have obstruction on the SS. R1 is awarded 3rd base....

 

That would be my call as well.

 

On the way to what bag? Also, please explain how you can have a "train wreck" at 2B as described without the fielder impeding the runner.

 

The call was … no call. Umpires ruled R1 out. Fortunately, R1 was eventually able to get up and remained in the game. SS had to be carried off the field. I hope she is OK. Base umpire later asked, “How did the girls get hurt at second?” The plate umpire obviously wasn’t watching the lead runner (when it was going to be his call at 3B). There were about 6 or 7 “questionable” calls in the game that had one team’s coach stomping his feet and the other team’s coach throwing his hat.

Later, there was a force play at second where the runner beat the throw and did a pop up slide. The play must have somehow confused the base umpire because I don’t believe he ever made a call. Instead, he sort of threw his hands up and shrugged his shoulders as if to say, “I don’t know.” The runner stayed on the bag and play proceeded. Let’s just say that if there were age limits on umpires, as suggested before on TBR, neither of these guys would have been calling the game. Fortunately, the umpiring did not ultimately affect who won the game.

 

No brainer, Runner was obstructed and was attempting third so she should be protected to third.

 

The umpires allowing coaches to act in manners such as described tells me all I need to know about how the game was officiated