Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 4/22/2008

Question
Two outs runner at third, catcher drops third strike, batter backs out of box as the runner advances to home and is safe . The batter then begins running to first, catcher retrives ball and throws him out for the force at first.
I was the plate ump and didnt count the run. Was I right or wrong?

Answer
Jeff,

You are right on this one.  Because the out at first was a force out, a run can not score on the play, no matter how much sooner the runner scores before the out is made.  This is clear in the rulebook that a run can't score unless the batter makes it to first.  Now, if the batter overruns first and is thrown out either going to second or trying to return to first, then the run could count (as long as the runner touches home before the batter-runner is put out.)

Hope this helps!

Brian