JO rule interpretation

Question
A pitched ball hits the catchers shin guards and rolls over near the on-deck batter who picks up the ball and gives it to the catcher.  Because it's a pitched ball, not a thrown ball nor a batted ball, I say the batter is out  and all runners return to their last base and in this situation the runner would score because she scored before the interference. The ruling was the runner closet to home was called out.  What's your interpretation?

thanx,

an ASA umpire

Answer
Hi Carlos,

in this case it is not necessarily (and probably not)interference.  If it prevented the catcher from making an out (you must have a play)it would be and we apply the interference rules.

However if there was no opportunity to make an out it is a blocked ball and runners are returned to the base last touched at the time of the blocked ball.

Mark