runner hit by a deflected ground ball

Question
QUESTION: This has to be one of the worst rules in the book(if it is actually in the book):
We were on defense with a runner on 1st base with 2 outs.  A hard ground ball was hit to the left side of the pitcher who got her glove on the ball just enough to deflect it right to our 2nd baseman who would have had plenty of time to field the ball and throw the batter out at 1st base ending the game.  However, the runner going to 2nd base was hit with the deflected ball(unintentially) preventing us from getting the final out.  The umpire called everyone safe and we went on to lose the game by one run when both runners scored on a double.  If the umpire made the correct call, someone needs to take a closer look at the rule.
Sam

ANSWER: Hi Sam,

Well I can tell you are upset but umpires don't get to decide what rules they want to enforce

ASA 8-8-F. A runner is not out....When a runner is hit by a fair batted ball after it touches, or is touched by,any fielder, including the pitcher, and the runner could not avoid contact with
the ball.

So as long as the umpire just let the situation play out ( runner and b-r  advanced safely) and didn't kill the ball when it hit R1 and award bases, it was the absolute correct call.

Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your input Mark.  I know the umpires made the correct call according to the rule book.  I'm a crusader though and feel it's a bad rule.  I'd like your opinion on the rule and then would like to try to get the rules committee to take a look at it. Do you have an email address for those in charge of making the rules?
Sam

Answer
Hi Sam,

Well I really haven't thought too much about it but I guess I would have to think why would you penalize the offense for something the defense did?  

We do have a rule on a deflected ball that a runner cannot intentionally interfere w/ a defensive player who has an opportunity to make an out but that's not the case here.


if you need you're regional uic's address write me back and tell me where you live.

Mark