Arkansas vs. New Mexico Obstruction Call

In the bottom of the 7th, a questionable obstruction was called against Arkansas. This is a tough call. It appears that the New Mexico shortstop actually caught the ball and lost the ball as she was going to tag the runner. Contact was made after the ball was lost. What do you think?

9.4 Obstruction 

9.4.1 Obstruction is the intentional or unintentional act of a defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitch or that hinders or impedes the progress of a runner who is legally running bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball, in the act of fielding a batted ball or in the act of catching a thrown ball Obstruction applies to live-ball play only 

Notes: 

1. The defensive player must be in the process of catching the ball and not merely positioning, waiting for a throw to arrive.

2. Obstruction may be ruled even though there is no physical contact.



Here's another look in Slo-Mo



If the shortstop misplays the ball before the runner crosses her path, is it still considered obstruction?

Alabama vs. New Mexico Obstruction Call

Alabama had a different obstruction call during their game against New Mexico. It appears that the runner passes the shortstop before she could make a play on the ball. The New Mexico shortstop makes contact with the runner reaching at her before making the play. What do you think? Is it still obstruction?



Tell us what you think.

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