bunting/running

Question
My daughter plays fast pitch high school ball and was called for interference after she bunted and ran to first. She was inside the foul/baseline and was in the way of either f2 or f3 feilding the ball. I understand the call but I am wondering how quickly a runner needs to get into the "running lane" just outside the foul line so she is not called for interference?

Also, is there a rule limiting the number of batters hit by a single pitcher? In a game I watched the pitcher was warned for hitting too many batters. She was not intentionally hitting the batters.

Answer
Hi Michelle,

a fielder must be given the opportunity to field the ball anywhere on the playing field.  a runner must vacate or avoid any space needed by the defense to allow that.

The 3' lane has nothing to do with interference caused by a b-r with the defense attempting to field the ball.  You cannot interfere with the defense attempting to field the ball even if you are in the 3' lane.  The 3' lane simply protects the b-r against an interference call (if not intentional) with a thrown ball striking them while going to 1st.

2) there is no such ASA rule, there might be a local rule, you would have to check with the local assoc.

mark