With bases empty, a runner advances to second base after a pitch is missed and the ball lodges behind the catcher’s chest protector before discovery. Which statement is correct?

• A. B1 is out.
• B. B1 is awarded second base.
• C. B1 is awarded only first base.
• D. The umpire may declare an out or award any base depending upon his judgment.

Answer: (C)

When a pitched ball lodges in the catcher’s chest protector, the ball is dead immediately. With the ball dead, there is no live play to allow runners to advance, and the batter-runner is awarded first base. Since the bases are empty, there’s no reason to award second base to anyone. This outcome isn’t a discretionary call; the rule explicitly grants the batter-runner first base in this situation. So the correct result is that the batter-runner is awarded only first base.