runner interferance

Question
runner on 2nd base and pitcher is hit with batted ball,
ball deflects off of pitcher and runner and shortstop collide, shortstop is in runners lane going for the ball.
is this runner interference or obstruction.

Answer
Hi Ray,

Thank you for your question.  You described an OBSTRUCTION scenario.  I am going to provide an ASA answer, Rule 8-7-J-4.  I hope that ASA rules apply to the league of the teams in your scenario.  Don't panic when you see that the OBSTRUCTION answer starts off with THE RUNNER IS OUT!

THE RUNNER IS OUT.
J. When a runner interferes:
4. Intentionally with any defensive player having the opportunity to make an out with the deflected batted ball.

Your question was clear and simply stated.  I'm not going to complicate my answer by reading between the lines of your question.  You didn't say anything about the runner colliding intentionally with the shortstop.  That would be the only reason to call out the runner for interference.  So, since the collision occurred while the shortstop was without the ball/was still 揼oing for the ball,?the runner was OBSTRUCTED by the shortstop.

Scott Kelly