Expert: Martin Hoover - 5/16/2008

Question
If a batter gets to first base with no errors, but errors such as overthrows or committed as they run to second and third is it still an earned run?

Answer
Brenda,

An earned run is a run for which a pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned runs, the official scorer shall reconstruct the inning without the errors (which exclude catcher’s interference) and passed balls, giving the benefit of the doubt always to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached by runners had there been errorless play. For the purpose of determining earned runs, an intentional base on balls, regardless of the circumstances, shall be construed in exactly the same manner as any other base on balls.

There are three sections in the rules that cover errors and earned runs:

RULE 10.16...

(c) No run shall be earned when scored by a runner whose presence on the bases is prolonged by an error, if such runner would have been put out by errorless play.

(d) No run shall be earned when the scoring runner’s advance has been aided by an error, a passed ball or defensive interference or obstruction, if in the official scorer’s judgment the run would not have scored without the aid of such misplay.

(f) Whenever a fielding error occurs, the pitcher shall be given the benefit of the doubt in determining to which bases any runners would have advanced had the fielding of the defensive team been errorless.

So, to answer your question, no, it is not an earned run.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover