baseruuner hit by batted ball

Question
Mark,

Last night in our in house 12u league (following asa rules) a runner breaking toward third was hit by a batted ball. The umpire immediately called her out thus ending the inning. The opposing coach argued that no defensive player was in position to make a play and the runner did not interfere with any defenders chance to make a play and therefore should not have been called out. Who is correct?

Thanks,

Bill Jaekel

Answer
Hi Bill,

Well it depends on where the defensive player is (excluding the pitcher).

By rule....If a runner is hit by a fair untouched ball before it passes an infielder they are out.  If it passes an infielder and another fielder has an opportunity to make a play, they are out.  If it passes an infielder an no other fielder has an opportunity to make a play they would not be out.

So there you go.

Mark