equipment interference

Question
QUESTION: Runners on 2nd and 3rd.  Batter singles to left.  Runner on 2nd rounds third, throw is wild and hits the bat in the on deck area (no designated circle).  Runner on 3rd stays.  The incident of the wild throw doesn't alter the play. Runner didn't score.  Ump called the runner out at third because of bat interference after time was called.  I can't find the ruling in the book.  What is the call?  Appreciate your help.

ANSWER: Hi Dan C,

If a ball is blocked due to offensive equipment on the field the ball is dead and all runners are returned to the last base touched at the time of the blocked ball.  

If the blocked ball prevented the defense from making an out the runner being played on is out. 8-5g-3

I think the umpire made a mistake(based on your description of the play)

Mark

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

QUESTION: Thanks.  Just realized I made a mistake in my description.  Runners were on 1st and 2nd.  Batter singles to left.  Runner on 2nd rounds third, throw is wild and hits the bat in the on deck area (no designated circle).  Runner from 2nd stays on 3rd stays.  Bases are now loaded.  The incident of the wild throw doesn't alter the play. Runner didn't score.  Ump called the runner out at third because of bat interference after time was called.

Answer
Hi Dan,
In ASA play
Interference should be called immediately as it happens.

If in the judgement of the umpire the defense had an opportunity to make an out and couldn't because the ball hit the bat (not the batter's bat but a bat not involved in the game, and an on-deck batter's bat is not involved in the game, I don't care where it is)you call the runner being played on out.

If the catcher or another defensive player was attempting to field the ball and had a legitimate opportunity to tag or throw r1 out as he rounded the base and the bat prevented it, r1 would be out.

If there was no legitimate opportunity to get r1 out, we kill it and then we just put him back on 3rd.

either call is a judgement call by the umpire

mark