Question: In high school baseball and softball, bases loaded, two outs; batter hits a homerun over the fence. In haste, the batter-runner passes the trail runner (from first) between first and second. Live/dead ball? Is any runner called out? Do any runs score?
Answer: Ball is dead due to being hit over fence; all runners on base are awarded home and are allowed to score; batter-runner is declared the third out for passing an unobstructed runner, with the out being recorded after runs score. (BB- Rule 8-4-2(m); SB- Rule 8-6-4; both Rule 9-1-1)
Question: On a dropped third strike play, with first base open, the batter-runner does not run inside the three foot running land. But the catcher, fearing an overthrow or hitting the runner, does not throw to first base. Is runner called out for being outside the running land during this play?
Answer: Ball remains in play; no out is called; violation is penalized if throw was made with effect on play. (BB- Rule 8-4-1(h); SB- Rule 8-2-5)