runner struck by ball
Question
If a batted ball hits a base runner, is the runner out or the batter or either. The ASA rule book is confusing to me. As fielders play up in softball it would appear that if the ball passes the fielders then the runner is not out. Help? and thanks
Answer
Hello Paul,
The runner would be out if the ball has not passed a fielder other than the pitcher. The ball becomes dead and the the batter would be rewarded first base. All other runners would return to the base they were at when the ball was pitched, unless forced to advance due to the rewarding of first base to the batter. If the infield is playing up and the ball has already passed a fielder before contacting the runner, it remains a live ball. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Coach Mike
defense
7th/8th grade girls softball (middle school)