Two Game Situations


 
1. With bases loaded and one out, the batter grounds toward the shortstop, but the ball hits the runner between 2nd and 3rd base. The field umpire correctly signals that the runner is out. The ball ricochets off the runner's leg to the shortstop -- who throws to second base to force out the runner from 1st base. Double play and inning over?
 
Call
The ball is immediately dead. The runner that started on third, stays at third. The batter is awarded first and that forces the runner from 1st to 2nd. The defense was most unhappy! My partner was not happy either.


 
2. With bases loaded and one out, the batter bunts the ball high into the air just in front of home plate. Just as the catcher is about the catch the ball, the catcher purposely separates his hands and the ball lands untouched in fair territory. The catcher picks up the ball, tags home for an easy force out, and throws to 1st base for another easy force out. Double play and inning over? Was this an infield fly or an intentionally dropped ball (or both)  -- so the batter is out, but the runners were not required to run?
 
Call
There can be no infield fly on a bunt nor can there be an intentionally dropped ball if the defensive player does not touch the ball -- so play on and a double play!