The scenerio, baserunners on first and third, one out. Batter hits a ball to deep center field, centerfielder makes a great catch for the second out. Runner at third tags and runner at first goes all the way to third thinking no way does the centerfielder catch the ball. The centerfielder gets the ball in and doubles up the runner at first base. The question? Does the runner that tug up at third score?
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The scenerio, baserunners on first and third, one out. Batter hits a ball to deep center field, centerfielder makes a great catch for the second out. Runner at third tags and runner at first goes all the way to third thinking no way does the centerfielder catch the ball. The centerfielder gets the ball in and doubles up the runner at first base. The question? Does the runner that tug up at third score?
Yes, if he scores before the out at first. This is not a force out, contrary to popular belief. Force outs only come into being when a runner is forced to his next base due to the batter becoming a runner. A runner can never be forced to a previous base, and can only be forced to the next base from his position at the time of the pitch.
I think this exact play is in the MLB rule book (but I cant get to it online right now to give the exact reference -- somewhere in the comments to "how a run scores in rule 4).
Edit: here's the Pro rule from 4.09:
APPROVED RULING: One out, Jones on third, Smith on first, and Brown flies out to right
field. Two outs. Jones tags up and scores after the catch. Smith attempted to return to first but the right
fielder’s throw beat him to the base. Three outs. But Jones scored before the throw to catch Smith
reached first base, hence Jones’ run counts. It was not a force play.
If this was HS then see case 9-1-1 Situation B
classic timing play.....
Does the runner that tug up at third score?
tagged up
Does the runner that tug up at third score?
Only if he slud in home safe before the third out.
Does the runner that tug up at third score?
Only if he slud in home safe before the third out.
I am laughing very hard.
Does the runner that tug up at third score?
Only if he slud in home safe before the third out.
I am laughing very hard.
As the resident score keeper in the thread, only if the HU points to the plate and says "score the run".
In other words, timing play.
OK, a follow-on question regarding HP umpiring mechanics: as the HP ump do you always point to the plate when a run scores on a timing play? Verbal confirmation also?
Yes. If there is a question if the run scores, emphatically and repeatedly point at the plate while saying, "Score that run! The run scores!"
If the run does not score, wave your hands over your head and state, "No run! The run does not score!"
If you are playing on a field with an actual scorer's box, you would face them as you do this.