7.03 -Two runners may not occupy a base, but if, while the ball is alive, two runners are touching the base, the following runner shall be out when tagged. The pre- ceding runner is entitled to the base. 7.04 -Each runner, other than the batter, may, without liability to be put out, advance one base when- (a) There is a balk ("O"Zone play only). (b) The batter's advance without liability to be put out forces the runner to vacate his base, or when the batter hits a fair ball that touches another runner or the umpire before such ball has been touched by, or has passed a fielder, if the runner is forced to advance; COMMENT: A runner forced to advance without liability to be put out may advance past the base to which he is entitled only at his peril. If such a runner, forced to advance, is put out for the third out before a preceding runner, also forced to advance, touches home plate, the run shall score. Play. Two out, bases full, batter walks but runner from second is overzealous and runs past third base toward home and is tagged out on a throw by the catcher. Even though two are out, the run would score on the theory that the run was forced home by the base on balls and that all the runners needed to do was proceed and touch the next base. (c) A fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the field. (d) While he is attempting to steal a base, the batter is interfered with by the catcher or any other fielder. (e) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately throws his glove at and touches a thrown ball. The ball is in play. NOTE: When a runner is entitled to a base without liability to be put out, while the ball is in play, or under any rule in which the ball is in play after the runner reaches an entitled base, and the runner fails to touch the base to which that runner is entitled before attempting to advance to the next base, the runner shall forfeit the exemption from liability to be put out and may be put out by tagging the base or by tagging the runner before that runner returns to the missed base. 7.05-(a)Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out, advance to home base scoring a run if the batter hits a fair fly ball over the outfield fence from home plate, provided all runners touch all bases legally; or if a fair ball which in the umpire's judgment would have gone out of the playing field in flight is deflected by an act of the fielder in throwing a glove, cap, or any article of apparel. (Application of this rule is subject to Rule 7.13.) The batter hitting the home run shall be required to run the bases and he shall be required to touch all bases. (b) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with a cap, mask or any part of that fielder's uniform detached from its proper place on the fielder. The ball is in play, and the batter may advance to home plate at the batter's peril. 48
