Softball Rules: Bad Throw on Third Base - Play & Award

Question
Mark,

Runner on third comes off with pitch...catcher comes up and throws to third...hits runner going back in the back...not on bag...and ball rolls out of play across a chalk line defining dead ball territory.

What is the call and award if any?

Jim L. Sr.

Answer
Hi Jim,

Unfortunately for the catcher and the defense this nothing but a bad throw with a resultant dead ball and R1 is awarded home.  Any other runners would be awarded 2 bases from their position at the time of the throw.  This is always an unpopular call with the defense and their fans as you can imagine.

Mark