Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/20/2008

Question
If a runner is hit by a batted ball and declared out, is the batter charged with a time at bat, and if so, how would it be ruled?

Answer
Jim,

It depends on where the fielders are in relationship to the runner.  If the ball has passed a fielder (or is touched by a fielder), then hit a runner, then the ball is live and the batter must run out the play.  If the ball hasn't passed a fielder, but hits a runner, then the runner is out, the ball is dead, and the batter is awarded first pass.

In both cases, the batter is awarded a base hit.

Hope this helps!

Brian