Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/3/2006

Question
Here is the situation.  Two outs, runner on third.  The catcher drops the third strke, the runner from third reaches home safely before the out is made at first base.  Does the run count?

Please cite the MLB rule so that I may share this info.

Thank you.

Answer
J Kay,

If the out is made at first (and it is the last out of the inning), then the runner from third does not count, even if they touch home plate before the out is made.

However, if the out is made on the batter/runner after they get to first (such as they are thrown out when making a turn toward second) then the run would score.

Quickly checking the rulebook, I can't find the exact citation.  But, under the definition of force play, one example shows that a run can not score when someone is out by a force play.

Hope this helps!

Brian