Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/27/2006

Question
Runners on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs.  The batter hits a ground ball to the 2nd baseman.  The 2nd baseman elects to tag the runner from first to second.  The runner from third touches home before the tag on the runner from 1st.  Does the run count?

Answer
Eric,

Because the force is still on, the run does not count.

One way the run could count is the following:  1st and 3rd, one out.  Batter hits a ground ball to 1st baseman.  1st baseman steps on first then throws to 2nd.  Runner from first stops and forces the fielders to tag him.  If the runner on third scores before the runner from 1st is tagged, then the run would count because the force was removed.

In no circumstance can a run score when the third out is a force out.

Hope this helps!

Brian