Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 3/13/2009

Question
Turned out there were only 2 outs and a runner on third when offensive team went to dugout and defensive team gathered around coach in foul territory.  Upon realization of one out to go, former third base runner ran from dugout to third to home. Run counted. Is this correct call?
Thank You,
Ron

Answer
Ron,

Nope.  When the runner left the basepath and went to the dugout, he abandoned his effort to make the next base.  He should have been called out for abandoning the bases, thereby being the third out.

Abandoning the bases is specifically called out in the rules and the runner is to be called out.

Hope this helps!

Brian