QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, batter lines a ball into the right field gap. Outfielder throws glove at batted ball which is beyond fielder. Glove contacts batted ball. Is this a live or dead ball play? Is batter-runner awarded 2, 3 or 4 bases ?
ANSWER: (BB only) Ball remains live as batter-runner gains a three base award from time of infraction; hence, if batter did not reach first base yet, batter will be awarded third with opportunity to advance at own risk. (Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 3). (SB only) Batter receives a three base award from time of pitch; hence, ball remains in play with ability to advance at own risk. ( Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 3,e).
QUESTION: Batter grounds to shortstop who overthrows first baseman. Fielder tosses glove which contacts ball in foul territory. One, two or three base award ?
ANSWER: (BB only) Two base award from time of infraction as ball stays in play. (Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 3c and Art. 4). (SB only) Two base award from time of throw as runner may advance further at own risk. ( Rule 8-3-3e).