Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 9/26/2005

Question
I recently witnessed a play in a league game where the umpire called a runner safe when I don't think he was supposed to.  Here's the situation:  Bases loaded, no one out, the batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop.  The SS runs to second base, tags the runner at second, tags the base with his foot, and throws to first.  He did not get the runner at first and the unpire called the runner safe at second as well.  The force from 1st to 2nd was the only out recorded since the runner who was at second did leave the bag.  Is he allowed to stay or should there have been two outs on the play (1 on the tagged runner and one on the force)?

I appreciate any help you can give.

Answer
Jared,

On the play you described, the runner is not allowed to stay at second base.  If it is as you described, there should be two outs on the play, the runner who didn't leave 2nd who was tagged and the runner heading from 1st to 2nd who was out on a force play.

Hope this helps!

Brian