This is very long. Sorry.
SoCalASABlue wrote:PDad;
Rule 7-2-D2 seems pretty clear to me. It clearly states "...after the incorrect batter has completed a turn at bat AND BEFORE a legal or illegal pitch to the following batter or before the pitcher and all infielders have vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory...and any run scored shall be nullified. All outs stand."
"Completed a turn at bat" has to mean either getting on base or making an out, regardless of how many pitches it takes to do either one.
Therefore:
(1) if a run scored on a wild pitch during the incorrect batter's at-bat;
(2) the incorrect batter makes the third out, regardless of how many pitches it takes to do it;
(3) the defensive coach PRIOR TO PITCHER AND INFIELDERS LEAVING FAIR TERRITORY appeals that the third out was an incorrect batter and the run that scored must be nullified.
Seems to me that Rule 7-2-D2 requires the run to be nullified, regardless of the fact that the pitcher may have thown 20 additional pitches to the incorrect batter before getting the out. The defense cannot be penalized with a run caused by an illegal batter that made the third out. Would it be called that way? Probably not. But 7-2-D2 seems to be one of the most straightforward rules in the entire rulebook - no wiggle room that I can see. It would be different (see rule 7-2-D3) if the incorrect batter was not the third out and the pitcher threw a legal or illegal pitch to the next batter. In that case, it's too late to appeal.
SoCalASABlue,
Rule 7-2-D is sequential. You have to look at it as a timeline of events.
7-2-D(1) covers that time period when the incorrect batter is at bat.
7-2-D(2) covers that time period when the incorrect batter has completed his at bat.
7-2-D(3) covers that time period when the incorrect batter has completed his at bat
and some other event has occurred. (ie, a pitch to another batter, an inning change-over)
Because they are time sequenced, you cannot inter-mix the rule effects.
7-2-D(1) If the incorrect batter is discovered, you can put the correct batter in the batter's box without penalty. Any runs scored or outs made while the incorrect batter was in the batter's box is legal. They stand.
7-2-D(2) If the incorrect batter is discovered after he has completed his at-bat. That means he must have reached base somehow or put out somehow. At that moment in time, if a runner advanced or scored, they have to go back. If the incorrect batter got on base, he is removed and the correct batter is called out. Any outs made stand.
7-2-D(3) If a pitch is made, or an inning change-over, the incorrect batter's time at-bat is now legal. All outs made or runs scored will stand.
So:
(1) if a run scored on a wild pitch during the incorrect batter's at-bat;
Rule 7-2-D(1) applies. If incorrect batter is discovered during that time period covered by 7-2-D(1), replace with correct batter and score the run on the wild pitch.
(2) the incorrect batter makes the third out, regardless of how many pitches it takes to do it;
Rule 7-2-D(2) applies. If the incorrect batter is discovered during that time period covered by 7-2-D(2), the out he made stands. If there was movement on the bases, they must return to their bases, which nullifies any runs. Any outs made to those base runners stand.
(3) the defensive coach PRIOR TO PITCHER AND INFIELDERS LEAVING FAIR TERRITORY appeals that the third out was an incorrect batter and the run that scored must be nullified.
Rule 7-2-D(2) applies. If the incorrect batter is discovered prior to a pitch or the inning change-over, the out he made stands. Any runs made in that time period covered by 7-2-D(2) are nullified. Any outs made on the bases stand.
Seems to me that Rule 7-2-D2 requires the run to be nullified, regardless of the fact that the pitcher may have thown 20 additional pitches to the incorrect batter before getting the out.
Don't mix 7-2-D(1) and 7-2-D(2). If a run scored during the incorrect batter's at-bat rule 7-2-D(1) and only 7-2-D(1) applies…that run stands.
Hope this helps
Jalamander
