live play or not

Question
Runners on 1st & 3rd, one out. Batter hits line drive to third, hitting the 3rd base runner in the back while STANDING on third. Ball ricochets into foul territory, where the third baseman picks it up and throws to second for the "out" of runner coming from first and on to first for the double play. Is it a live ball or not?

Answer
Hi Steve,

Here's the info for you to determine if the call was correct,


Unless the runner intentionally interfered with the batted ball he is not out because he is legally occupying the base.

Now what happens after that is....
If the closest defensive player is in front of the base the runner is in contact with, the ball is live. (This is more common in fast pitch than slow pitch)

If the closest defensive player is behind the base the runner is in contact with, the ball is dead. (More common in slow pitch)

If the ball is dead the batter is awarded a base hit (1st base) and only runners that are forced are advanced.

Mark