Batter Interference on Steal?
With no outs and a 1-1 count on the batter (B1), the runner on first base (R1) is stealing on the pitch. B1 swings hard and misses the pitch, but falls over the plate and interferes with the catcher's throw to second base. The catcher's throw goes into the outfield, so R2 tries to advance to third base but is thrown out. Which of the following (may be more than one) are true?
A. B1 did not intentionally interfere with the catcher because his hard swing caused him to fall across the plate. The play stands (R1 out, B1 remains at-bat).
B. B1 is out for his interference.
C. Since R2 was retired at third base, his out stands.
D. Since R2 was retired on the play, B1's interference should be ignored. B1 remains at-bat.
E. Since R2 was not retired by the catcher's throw to second base, he should be returned to first base.