What should the umpire do if the lights go out during a play involving base runners?

The correct response for this situation is to utilize judgment and rule on the play as normal. In instances where the lights go out during a play, the umpire must assess the circumstances based on the actions of the players and the progression of the play at that moment. If play is still in motion or if the situation allows it, the umpire should maintain the integrity of the game by making a decision that reflects the events leading up to the lights going out.

Stopping the game immediately and clearing the field would not be appropriate unless safety is compromised, which may disrupt the flow and fairness of the game. Additionally, resetting the play completely or declaring it a no-play assumes that all action is halted, which may not capture the spirit of what occurred before the interruption. This approach could unfairly penalize one team over the other. Thus, relying on judgment allows umpires to handle unexpected scenarios while maintaining the fairness and continuity of play.