Game Situation: Runner Hit by Batted Ball

With no outs and a runner (R3) on third base, the batter (B1) hits a bouncing ball down the third base line, about 1 foot to the right of the foul line (so it is a fair ball). R3 retreats to third base. The third baseman is about 5 feet behind the bag, in a position to field the bouncing fair ball -- however -- the ball strikes R3 in the back as he is standing with both feet on 3rd base.

The defensive and offensive coaches generously offer numerous options to the umpire. What do the umpires do now?

Call

In the situation below, R3 is not protected from interfering with the batted ball while he is standing on the base. Since the third baseman was in a position to field the fair batted ball when R3 was struck by the fair ball -- R3 is out, the ball is dead, and B1 is awarded first base.