Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 4/28/2006

Question
I recently played in a game in which I hit a low line drive in the 3B/SS gap with a runner on first base.  The SS made what appeared to be an amazing diving catch.  The runner on first base went back to first, but then realized that the SS had not caught the ball, just knocked it down.  He then broke for second, but the SS was able to get up in time and throw him out.  There is no way the SS could have thrown me out at first, given that he was still laid out by the time i hit the bag.  Despite the fact that had the bases been clear, I would have had a hit, since there was a runner on first, this looks like a fielder's choice.  How would this get scored officially?
Thanks for your help

Answer
Alex,

Sorry about this, but your batting average takes the hit.  This is scored as a fielder's choice.  Unfortunately, this does happen at the big league level too.  A batter will hit a ball deep in the hole and the fielder would have no shot at the batter, but will be able to force a runner at second or third.  Fielder's choice it is!

Hope this helps!

Brian