If R2 leaves early on a catch in right field but the umpire did not cover the play, what is the ruling after the defense appeals?

In this scenario, the correct outcome is that R2 is safe regardless of the appeal made by the defense. This is grounded in the rules governing base running and appeals in softball.

When a runner leaves a base early on a catch, the defense can appeal this action. However, if the umpire did not cover the play or did not witness the infraction, the appeal cannot be enforced. Since the umpire was unable to see R2 leaving early, there is no definitive ruling or confirmation of the early leave that can be acted upon, thus the runner remains safe.

This situation emphasizes the importance of the umpire’s role in making calls and the need for their direct involvement in observing plays. If a play has not been officiated properly, who saw that particular runner's action becomes critical for determining the outcome of any appeals made thereafter. This means that the defense's appeal is moot since it relies on the umpire's observation, which didn't occur in this instance. Hence, R2's status of being safe remains intact.