3 foot running lane

Question
QUESTION: In a game last night played under Major League rules, a batter was pinch hit for by another legal player.  After the new batter took one strike, the coach attempted to pinch hit with another legal player.  The umpire ruled that the batter must complete his turn at
bat and the coach could not bring in a second pinch hitter.  I believe the umpire was wrong what is the correct ruling.  This had nothing to do with a batter batting out of turn.  Thank you!

ANSWER: Justin,

According to OBR Rule 3.03, "A player, or players, may be substituted during a game at any time the ball is dead." There are rules that stipulate a pitcher must face one batter, but there are no rules that state a pinch hitter cannot be substituted for after one pitch.

In other words, the umpire was wrong.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is the rule on a runner running to first base as it relates to the 3 foot lane.  We had a batter/runner running to first base on a missed 3rd strike.  The coach of the defensive team contended the batter/runner ran inside the base line and should have been called out for interference because his catcher did not have a lane to make the throw to first.  The catcher on the play overthrew to first base and the umpire let the play stand.

Answer
Justin,

This call is umpire judgment, and the judgment is different depending on the ruleset used. In OBR, if the umpire judges the throw was errant due to the runner being outside the lane, he can call the interference.

Remember also that the player must have at least one foot completely outside the line, as the lines are part of the lane as well.