Slo-Pitch Softball

Question
Recently, I was batting with a runner on 1st base. I hit the ball to deep right center field and the ball traveled towards the fence but stopped just short of it. There is a small gap underneath this part of the fence.  The outfielder kicked the ball underneath the fence. The umpire awarded a ground rule double leaving runners on 2nd and 3rd. I understand that if the ball rolled under the fence under its own power it is a ground rule double. However, the opposing outfielder knew we would likely score both runs so he kicked it under the fence to insure that we only advanced to 2nd and 3rd. If you could provide me with some clarification, it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Joe,

"intent" can be very hard to detect sometimes.  If the ball was not intentionally kicked, it is a 2 bases from the time of the pitch.

If it was intentionally kicked out of play, the ball is dead, and all runners are awarded 2 bases from the last base touched at the time the ball was put out of play.

Mark