Question from another forum...HS ball
don't have a dog in that (or any) fight...
Just looking for a correct answer...
"Two situations i would like a rules clarification please:
Situation #1: Offensive player at bat sacrifice buts with a runner on second. Defensive player makes throw to 1st for the out. Runner on second continues home trying to score. Defensive player makes throw to home attempting to get runner out. The thrown ball hits the offensive players bat that is laying in the field of play and kicks away from the defensive play allowing the runner to score. Should the ball have been deamed a dead ball when it hit the bat, or is this just a bad break?
Situation #2; Bases loaded, pitcher begins her windup to throw a pitch to the the batter, but stops her attempt to make the pitch, after she breaks her hands and is in a forward motion to the plate. No time has been called, hitter is still in box ready to hit. What is the ruling for this, is it just a illegal pitch and a ball awarded to the hitter or is it ruled like a balk in baseball. Called dead and all runners advance one base? "