Interferences, Obstructions 44. The ball remains in play. Is is a fair ball because it struck the bag and the runner is not out because the batted ball struck him in foul, not fair, territory. First, the fact that the interference was accidental has no bearing. Normally, the batter is out when he interferes with the catcher, but in this case the retirement of the runner nullifies the interference.
Someone has to be calle dout for interference.
I there are two out, the batter is out and the inning ended. With less than two out, the runner is out. Unless the waiting batter intentionally interferes with the ball, the umpire should allow the ball to remain in play. A penalty can hardly be invoked against the offensive team because the defensive team failed to handle a throw properly. The batter is out on strikes and the runner is called out because of the interference, giving the catcher an unassisted doubleplay.