Uncaught 3rd Strike, BR interference?

Question
This has happened many times, and I've seen it dealt with several ways...  (Girls fastpitch, 14u)

Runners on 1B and 2B, 0 outs, uncaught third strike, BR runs to 1B, F2 throws to 1B and runners take off...  

Mostly, I see the BR is 'reminded' that she is out after the play is over, and the runners are safe, having advanced at their own peril.

The result of this 'play' doesn't give me the 'warm and fuzzies'...

Some questions:

Is the BU under an obligation to say "Batter is Out!" when the 3rd strike called (or swung)?

Can it be interference on the BR, who by running confuses the defense, which allows the runners to advance uncontested?  If so, who's out?

Does it make any difference if a team deliberately does this 'play' throughout the game?  Can it be treated as unsportsmanlike?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Alan,

This is much more common at the lower levels than later on.

If the batter starts to run a good umpire should say IMO batter is out, and BATTER IS OUT! if they continue to run.  They are not required to though and some don't.

It can't be interference because by rule simply running to 1st after 3 strikes is not interference.

No USC because it's really not and because the defense should be aware the D3K rule is not in effect and the catcher should not throw the ball to 1st.  It is referred to as a DMC (dumb move, catcher).  The ball is live and the defense is responsible for what they do w/it.  If the defense reacts properly this usually stops as it is not productive.

"Mostly, I see the BR is 'reminded' that she is out after the play is over, and the runners are safe, having advanced at their own peril."

Yup that's what happens.

Mark