Expert: Dennis Girardi - 5/23/2007

Question
they had the bases loaded with 2 outs, we had a infield pop fly (Infield fly doesn't apply) and was dropped. the player stayed on second and didn't advance to third. The infielder just ran to second to tag the player that was going to third he tagged the correct runner. In this the runner going from third crossed the plate before the tag was made, the umpire let the run score. So does it mean that you have to throw to the bag to make a force out or can is tagging the player still considered a force out. If i look at this and i know that i could possible get a run scored by getting in a run down, i would do this everytime to get a run.

Answer
Hi Kenny,

You are right and the umpire is wrong.  The run does NOT count here.  The force out applies whether the base is tagged or the runner.  Either way it is STILL a force out and a run does NOT score on a force play with 2 outs..
Come to me with any other questions and I'll be glad to help.

Dennis