Analysis of Runner's Lane Interference During 4/22's Padres-Dodgers Game in LA

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The runner's lane interference (RLI) rule states that a batter is out for interference when, in running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead.

Because Raley appeared to have failed to comply with the terms of OBR 5.09(a)(11), Randazzo called the batter-runner out for RLI as the Padres ultimately defeated Los Angeles, 3-2.

[darinlegore]

great job explaining guys. Wish MLB and teams hired announcers on TV who had a clue!

[SLC-Smudge]

Any bets how many "professional" baseball people, youtube personalities included, will clown the umpires and ask the same old tired question "where else is he supposed to run!?" by tomorrow?

[BB-kihe]

Go explanation was wondering about this call

[cloudwatcher]

just once, i'd like to hear a runner or coach say, "well, i (the runner) ran inside the designated runner's lane in accordance with the rules so as to avoid any possibility of runner's lane interference. then i (the runner) stepped on first base easily with my inside foot. i think we'll take our chances with this strategy." still waiting...

[christitmas]

Can you review the interference call in the brewers game

[jdestef]

Um, so is he out or what? Video just ends with the first base ump deferring to home plate ump.

[jamiethornton]

Looks like a replay of the Nationals Astros play that got the Nationals manager thrown out. The throw was off and hit the runner as he was hitting the bag. Same thing that took place in the Series.

[nwaudio]

By rule he’s out but it’s one of those ticky tacky calls where the rule was made to keep runners from intentionally running wide to impede throws. I get umpires have a hard job, but anyone who has played at a high level knows just how fast the games is going on plays like that. As a runner going to first out of the box our mindset is to run straight so any movement to right to reposition is slowing you down and you’re always aiming to hit the front edge of the bag so it’s not the easiest thing to do when you hit an oh shit dribbler and how are booking it down the line

[TheCpadron]

I honestly hate this rule. That lane literally makes no sense. The base is in fair territory, yet you're expected to run I'm foul territory, then at the last second, move from the foul territory into fair territory. I guarantee if you watch every single runner going to first, they almost never go in the lane. Why? Because it makes no sense. You're told that the fastest point from a to b is a straight line, but when running to first, apparently that's impossible. For a lefty it's not so bad, since we basically start on the right side of the line when we hit, but for righties this is the dumbest thing ever. If you're running pretty much on the foul line, and the ball hits you, it should be on the fielder. It's not that hard to throw around them. Just another excuse for pitchers to be less athletic.

[DAKBlizzard]

The runner is rightfully out. However, this situation is partly why I think 18 inch bases will improve the game. (They've been 15 inches.) The last stretch of the running lane beyond the grass is bunkum, because 1B, like all 4 bases, is entirely in fair territory. At some point at the end, the runner needs to shift slightly left to legally run (beyond a doubt) while still being able to reach 1B. Raley ran too far inside the baseline, enabling the poor throw to be bailed out by an interference call. I say "bailed out" because he touches 1B pretty much where most runners do with a play at 1B. The larger bases will enable a larger buffer between the fielder and runner. The AAA minor leagues are going to test out the 18" bases in 2021, and I hope they work well.