There were runners on second and third and one out when a fly ball was lofted to center field, easily deep enough to score the tagging runner on third. The center field smartly made the play on the runner going from second to third, but did not get him. The fans, noticing that the runner on second left the base early started yelling for the third baseman to throw the ball to second. After an initial hesitation, the throw was made, the bag was tag, the umpire signaled out, and the inning was over. After conferring, the umpires allowed the run to stand saying that the runner on third had properly tagged and crossed the plate before the out was made at second. This seemed wrong to us, since we thought it would be considered a force play. It did not factor into the outcome of the game, but the socring of this run has piqued my curiosity regarding the rules governing this play.
Original Post
