Expert: Andrew Mullins - 5/19/2010

Question
The situation is less than two outs with a runner on 3rd.  The batter is asked to lay down a sacrifice bunt, and the defense fields it cleanly with plenty of time to throw the batter out at first but decides to hold onto it to keep the runner on 3rd from scoring.  We're not sure if it's a fielder's choice due to defensive indifference or a base hit or something else.  How would it be scored?

Answer
The question is, would the batter-runner have made ot to first on his own no matter what....If so, then it's a hit.  If not, then it's a fielder's choice.  But you indicated that no play was made at all, therefore I am giving him a hit w/ no reservation....

Great question....Andy