running and more

Question
1)If there's a runner on first and ball is hit to shortstop, and shortstop over throws at first base and ball goes into dugout. At the time the ball was over throw, the batter-runner did not reach first base. So runner originally at first gets third,a nd batter-runner gets 2nd right cause it's time of pitch since batter-runner didn't reach first base at the time ball went out of play?2)what if the batter-runner already reached first base by the time ball went out of play? Do you then place runners from time of throw then?
3)if the ball went into the stands, that would be the same as going into the dugout correct? as in terms of where to place runners.
4)if there's a runner on first and he's stealing, pitcher pitches it, hits off catcher's shin guard and goes into dugout, even if he was stealing runner only gets 2nd correct?
5) Last one, if there's a runner on second and he's stealing, and batter interefered with catcher, is the runner called out or the batter? if if's the batter, runner go back to second? Sorry so many questions. I appreciate you answering them. ThanksHeather"

Answer
Heather,

1 & 2) If the ball is the first one thrown, regardless of if the batter-runner reaches first base, they still get only second base.  It is very difficult for the runner to reach first before the throw is made.

3) The rule reads "out of the field of play". So dugout and stands are the same thing.

4) Correct.  One base from the time of the throw.

5) If there are less than two outs, the runner is declared out.  With more than two outs, the batter is declared out.

I hope this has helped.

-Martin Hoover