Expert: Tom Schott - 6/22/2007

Question
Had an odd thing happen the other day and i am not sure how to score it.  Batter hits a ball over the LF's head and ends up with a HR. Defensive team appeals that the runner missed 3rd base, umpire agrees and the batter is called out. Would this be a double (last base "occupied" by batter) in the same way that it is a double if a batter is thrown out trying to stretch a hit into a triple or is it just an out? Thanks

Answer
Joe,

 Yes, you are correct, because consider how you would have to score it otherwise. A homer without a run scoring? BTW, the left fielder and third baseman (or whoever tagged the bag) would receive an assist and putout on this play. [And if I were scoring, this would be one of those asterisk with note on the side plays.]