With R2 on second base, B3 swings and misses the pitch for strike two. His follow-through hits F2 while he is attempting to throw out R2, who successfully steals third base. What is the correct ruling?

• A. There is no interference, the play stands.
• B. This is follow-through interference; R2 is declared out.
• C. This is follow-through interference; both R2 and B3 are declared out.
• D. This is follow-through interference, B3 is declared out and R2 is returned to second base.

Answer: (D)

When a batter’s follow-through interferes with a fielder attempting to make a play, the batter is out for interference and the ball is dead. Runners must be returned to the bases they occupied at the time of the pitch.

In this scenario, R2 was on second and trying to steal third while the catcher was attempting to throw. The batter’s follow-through hits the catcher, causing interference. The ball becomes dead, and the batter is out for interference. Because the ball is dead at that moment, R2 is returned to the base he occupied at the time of the pitch—second base. The throw to third does not stand, and B3 is out for the interference.