Runners on 1st and 2nd and hit and run is given. Runners take off the hitter swings at ball in the dirt. Catcher goes to his knees and scoops it. Hops up and tries to throw to third. Batter is off balance from awkward swing in the dirt and steps out of the box but doesn't leave it (pretty sure his step is still in the box) but throw hits batter helmet and sails into LF. Would this be batter interference? I don't think it is because the hitter wasn't trying to interfere and he cannot disappear. I know the box doesn't completely protect him but he was in the box. To me baseball happened and the catcher didn't do a very good job of creating a throwing lane. Is there a chance this was batter interference?
Second question - is it one from the mound and two from the field or vice versa? Pitcher delivers and it bounces just before the plate. Catcher / ump do not block it and it goes back to hit the lip of the block wall. Goes up and back over the net backstop out of play. Runner was on first at the time of the pitch - does he get just second or third?
Thanks