player hit by throw

Question
QUESTION: hi doc.
this is my question
we had a game last week (14 and under fastpitch softball)
were down 4-3 last at bat. bases loaded, full count (its do or die).
now the batter hits the ball, the pitcher scoops it and shoots it to first base.
the runner is running on thte outside of the base line. the throw hits the runner on the right shoulder. by this time the runner 3rd scored, the one on 2nd is past 3rd and commited to the homeplate.
the umpire allows both runns and calls the game.
the def. claims that the runner is out because she got hit by the ball (they claim it was intereference) and everyone should go back one base and only one run counts.
i believe since the player was actually on the outside of the base line when she got hit and not in direct line of the throw to first it should remain a live ball. the game was called and we got the W but the other team is still questioning the call. can you help.

ANSWER: Hi Ismael,

If the b-r is in the lane and did not intentionally interfere with the throw, the ball continues to be live and we play on.

If the b-r is not in the lane and interferes with the fielder taking the throw at 1st (intent does not matter) we have interference, dead ball, out, runners return to last base touched at the time of interference.

Based on your question, if the b-r was "outside of the base line" I assume this to mean she was in fair territory, she would be out of the lane and this would be interference.

If this is what happened, you got a lucky call and the defense got a bad call.

Mark

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

QUESTION: hi doc. the runner was actually to the right of the baseline (on foul territory) like if she was running at the double first base (orange base). does this make a difference from the call.

Answer
Hi Ismael,

I've got to tell you "Ismael Alvarez"  that's made my top 5 list of cool names.

Back to your question....Yes it does make a huge difference, now she is in the 3' lane and this applies

If the b-r is in the lane and did not intentionally interfere with the throw, the ball continues to be live and we play on.

It now looks (with the additional info you gave me)as if the right call was made.

Mark