Interference Question

Question
Scenario: 7-8 year old Cal Ripken league rec baseball.  One out, runners on first and second.  Batter hits ground ball to shortstop.  The shortstop fields the ball in the basepath, and the runner from second collides with him.

As a volunteer umpire, I would call this interference by the runner at second, call him out, and call the ball dead.

The question is what happens to the batter and the other runner?  My instinct would say to send the runner from first back, and send the batter back to the box at the previous count.  However, the argument could be made by the defensive coach that without the interference of the runner, it would have been a routine 6-4-3 double play, and the inning should be over.  (Whether that play is routine for 7-8 year olds is highly debatable).

What's your call here?  Thanks very much!

Answer
Buzz,

I almost agree with your call here.  The runner who interfered is definitely out.  If the umpire feels that the second out would be made (either by throwing to second or to first) then they should rule that an out also.  In this case, the defense should get some benefit of the doubt since the offense committed the penalty.

However, if in the umpire's judgement, neither extra out would be made, then the runner on first should return and the batter should go back to the plate and continue their at bat.

Hope this helps!

Brian