When two runners are between the same two bases on an overthrow into dead-ball territory, which outcome is correct?

• A. Both runners are awarded two bases.
• B. The lead runner is awarded two bases and the following runner is awarded one.
• C. Both runners are awarded three bases.
• D. Both runners are returned to the base occupied at the time of the throw.

Answer: (B)

When a throw goes into dead-ball territory, the ball is dead and bases are awarded based on the runners’ positions at the moment of the throw. If two runners are between the same two bases, the lead runner—the one closer to the next base—is awarded two bases, and the following runner is awarded one base. This reflects that the ahead runner is farther along toward scoring, while the trailing runner still gains some ground due to the overthrow, but not as much as the lead. The other options don’t fit because they either credit too many bases to both runners, give three bases, or return them to their original bases, which isn’t consistent with how the dead-ball overthrow is ruled.