Thrown Ball hits Base Runner

Question
Hi Doc,

Had a situation last night in a Men's Adult Rec Slow pitch game. I am only Ump for 2 games a night.

Runner on 1st. Batter hits a line drive too RF.
R1 rounds second and heads to 3b. He arrives at 3b a fraction before the throw and I rule him safe. While he is sliding the ball hits his knee and gets past the fielder and the pitcher who is backing up the play. The ball ends up out of play and I award him home based on the over throw from the outfield.The def says it is not an overthrow because the runner deflected the ball out of play.
Please help, Dusty


Answer
Hi Dusty,
Here's you're help......the defense is.......WRONG!

The runner is awarded 2 bases from the time of the throw.  The runner did not deflect the ball out of play ...the throw hit the runner and the ball was deflected out of play.

Good call!
Mark