Saw this one in a game I was watching (not my team... just watching) this weekend and wanted some clarification.
Base runner on 2nd. On a batted ball, first base fields the ball and throws to get the runner going to 3rd. Defensive 3rd base is in the base path waiting for the throw which is right on target. The runner and 3rd base bump into each other and both fall to the ground while the ball falls out of the glove and rolls to the fence. At the urging of the 3rd base coach (who saw the ball roll to the fence), the base runner gets up and runs home however left field recovered the ball and threw the base runner out at home.
The field umpire ruled defensive obstruction on the play at 3rd base and ruled that the runner was thus safe at home.
It was pretty clear that it was indeed defensive obstruction on the play at 3rd. She was blocking the base without the ball ... however my question is was the call correct in giving the base runner home?
My thought is that the obstruction occurred on the base runner's attempt to 3rd base. Had she been ruled out at 3rd by a tag / force then obstruction would grant her 3rd base. However my opinion is that when she got up and decided to try for home on the loose ball she put herself back at risk and thus was out when the throw got her.
When the play happened there was a lot of arguing back and forth between the coaches and parents, etc. It was quite the scene. That run broke a tie and won the game.
What are your thoughts on this one?
Base runner on 2nd. On a batted ball, first base fields the ball and throws to get the runner going to 3rd. Defensive 3rd base is in the base path waiting for the throw which is right on target. The runner and 3rd base bump into each other and both fall to the ground while the ball falls out of the glove and rolls to the fence. At the urging of the 3rd base coach (who saw the ball roll to the fence), the base runner gets up and runs home however left field recovered the ball and threw the base runner out at home.
The field umpire ruled defensive obstruction on the play at 3rd base and ruled that the runner was thus safe at home.
It was pretty clear that it was indeed defensive obstruction on the play at 3rd. She was blocking the base without the ball ... however my question is was the call correct in giving the base runner home?
My thought is that the obstruction occurred on the base runner's attempt to 3rd base. Had she been ruled out at 3rd by a tag / force then obstruction would grant her 3rd base. However my opinion is that when she got up and decided to try for home on the loose ball she put herself back at risk and thus was out when the throw got her.
When the play happened there was a lot of arguing back and forth between the coaches and parents, etc. It was quite the scene. That run broke a tie and won the game.
What are your thoughts on this one?