Runners on 1 & 3 with one out

by Tommy
(Massachusetts )

Tommy asked: Runners on 1st & 3rd with 1 out.

Batter hits fly ball, outfielder catches fly ball throws out runner at 1st for leaving base before ball was caught but; runner at 3rd tagged up and scored before the out was made at 1st.

Does the run count?


Rick answered: Tommy, thank you for your question.

Rule 5.08 How a run scores

(a) One run shall score each time a runner legally advances to and touches first, second, third and home base before three men are out to end the inning.

Exception: A run is not scored if a runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made

1) by the batter-runner before he touches first base

2) or by any runner being forced out, or

3) by a preceding runner who is declared out because he failed to touch one of the bases

Comment: A run legally scored cannot be nullified by subsequent actions of the runner


Rick answered: Tommy, thank you for your question.

The run in this scenario would not count, as the base runner from first base was called out on a force play at first base, for the third out of the inning.

Yours in baseball,

Rick