Expert: Steve L - 3/10/2004

Question
Hi Steve, it's me again.  That's still not right.  In order to get the base runner running from 2nd to 3rd base, he would have to be tagged out at 3rd base, not second,...or, the shortstop would have to run like hell and tag the runner on the way to 3rd.  That's it!  Can you think of any other possibilities, or am I pushing my luck.  I can't imagine the above happening 12 times, but maybe they were all a variation of the same play.
THANKS!

Answer
You misread my answer.  The runner on second does NOT have to be tagged out, because the shortstop caught the line drive ON THE FLY. That means the runners then had to return to their bases.

The shortstop stepped on second, doubling the runner who was on that base,(Out #2) and then tagged the runner from first as HE approached second. (Out #3).

Another possibility is when the batter hits a sharp ground ball to 3rd.  The 3rd baseman steps on the bag, forcing the runner from second, then throws to the 2nd baseman forcing the runner from 1st for the 2nd out.  The relay to 1st nips the batter for the 3rd out.