Thrown Ball Hits Runner

Question
Hi:
I have a simple question regarding Girls Softball ages 9 - 13 y/o.  If a thrown ball hits a runner running to the next base, is that runner out?  I know if it is a batted ball in fair territory before touching or passing an infielder the runner is out, but not sure on a thrown ball and the runner is off the base and running to next base and is hit with the thrown ball.
Thank you very much, Donna

Answer
Hi Donna,

As long as the runner does not intentionally interfere w/ the throw and is simply attempting to advance or retreat to a base this would not be interference or an out on the runner.  This would simply be a bad throw by the defender, ball continues to be live and we play on.

If we did have a rule like this then we would be playing "dodge softball" and that would not be good.

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