Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/1/2009

Question
you have a previous answer from this entry:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Baseball-Instruction-327/Runner-hit-batted-
ball.htm

with bases loaded, less than two outs, runner advancing from 1st to 2nd gets
hit by the ball, you say that run scores and its 1st and 3rd, although if you
read rule 7.08(f) it states the following:

(f) He is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has touched or
passed an
infielder.  The ball is dead and no runner may score, nor runners advance,
except
runners forced to advance.  EXCEPTION:  If a runner is touching his base when
touched by an Infield Fly, he is not out, although the batter is out;



it specifically says no runner may score....but then it says no runner may
advance unless forced? so it's somewhat confusing but the bottom line it says
no runner may score....so what's the deal are you right or am i misreading
the rule?

THanks!

Answer
Stephen,

Great question.  I interpret this to mean that no runner may score or advance unless forced to.  So, basically, I apply the exception to both conditions, the scoring and the advancing.  But now I'm not sure if I'm right or not.

If I was the umpire, I'd allow the runner to score if forced.  But I don't know how the major league head of rules would rule this play.

Brian