Runner's Interference with Thrown Ball Must be Intentional

When Guardians batter Miles Straw flied out to Mariners right fielder Teoscar Hernandez with the bases loaded, the Seattle outfielder's throw hit retreating Cleveland runner R1 Mike Zunino in the back, caroming away from fielders leading to another run. Is this interference, as alleged after the play by Mariners manager Scott Servais?

As the umpires explained to Servais, this is not interference because Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(10) puts a runner out for interference only when "they fail to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interfere with a thrown ball." In other words, the throw from the outfield hitting Zunino was not interference because Zunino did not intend to interfere. As intent is a requirement for this brand of interference, this is the proper no-call and all runners are safe.

With replays showing batter Straw running through first base to the right of R1 Zunino, had outfielder Hernandez's throw hit Straw instead, then, yes, the umpires could have ruled leading runner R3 Oscar Gonzalez out for the interference of teammate Straw. OBR 6.01(a)(5), which states interference occurs when "any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of their teammate."

Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Umpires no-call thrown ball hitting a runner who did not intend to interfere (SEA)