However, some of the obstructions called totally reverse the most likely outcome of the play and erase the good work that the defense did to get the likely out. Take the Ole Miss - Texas Tech play at 3rd base for instance. The runner at 3rd made a bone headed and ill advised dash for home plate as soon as the ball was hit. The defense made the proper read and threw home instead of throwing to first. But on the throw back to 3rd, just because the 3rd baseman had one foot that was partially blocking the base (which did not prevent the runner from getting a hand in), obstruction was called. I would argue that if the 3rd baseman positioned her feet in a different way, she would be off balance and at risk to fall. It’s just too much reward to the offense for screwing up in the first place.