bases loaded, hit runner at 3rd, ball goes out of play

Question
QUESTION: So, I was playing 3rd base, the other team had the bases loaded with one out. Their batter hit a grounder down the baseline and before getting to third base the ball hits the leading leg of the runner at 3rd (in my opinion  it was going to be foul seeing as how the runners leg was in foul territory) who was still on base and the ball ended up out of play. The umpire advanced all runners and gave the other team a run. The defense touched the ball in no way and the other team was awarded a base hit, this seems wrong to me.

ANSWER: Hi Matt,

If the ball is in foul territory and hits a runner on base, it is simply a foul ball.

If the ball was in fair territory and hits a runner standing on base, if the closest defensive player is behind the base, we have a dead ball, b-r is awarded 1st base and all other runners only advance if forced.  The fact it went out of play doesn't matter as the ball was dead as soon as it hit R1. Seems by the result the PU believed the ball to be fair.

mark

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

QUESTION: So if the ball was fair and on the ground, would the runner still be safe on the bag since the bases were loaded and he is forced to run?

Answer
Hi Matt,

Yes the scenario would play out if the ball was in fair territory and hits a runner standing on base, if the closest defensive player is behind the base, we have a dead ball, b-r is awarded 1st base and all other runners only advance if forced.  Doesn't matter how many on, as soon as they are hit the ball is dead.  There is now no force anywhere.

This is "by rule" there is no arguing w/it either by the defense nor does the umpire have any discretion.

Mark