Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/20/2007

Question
I coach the at the senior level (15-16). Last night, I had a runner at second base when the batter hit a hard grounder to third. The ball was deflected into the stands by the third basemen. The ball was called dead by the umpire and the runner was awarded third base. I thought the runner was allowed two bases. Can you show me where the rule is in the ll rule book stating the runner only gets one base and not two.
Thanks

Answer
Mike,

Did the runner start at second or at first?  If the runner was at 2nd before the ball was hit, then he should have advanced two bases.  If the runner was at first and heading toward second (or even past second for that matter), he would get two bases from where he started so he would be awarded third,

I don't know any other way to rule this play.

Hope this helps!

Brian