OBR 5.09(b)(7)
Runner hit by a batted ball
A runner struck by a fair batted ball in fair territory before it has passed an infielder is out, and the ball is dead. If the ball already got through or deflected off an infielder and no other fielder had a play, the runner is fine and the ball stays live.
Key points
- Before passing an infielder (other than the pitcher): runner is out, batter usually gets first, runners return.
- Through or off an infielder with nobody else able to make a play: incidental contact, play on.
- Intent matters — a runner who deliberately kicks a ball is out for interference regardless.
- Standing on the base does not automatically protect the runner, except on a declared infield fly.
In a game
Runner on second, ground ball up the middle clips his shoe a step behind the diving shortstop.
Ruling · Play on. The ball had passed an infielder and nobody else had a play, so the contact is incidental.
Why it moves the scoreboard
Turns a likely hit into an automatic out and a dead ball — one of the few plays where the batting team loses a baserunner and the hit in the same instant.
Related rules