Drop 3rd with a runner on first

[Guest Walshc2]

If there is a runner on first and the pitcher gets a drop third strikeout to the batter, and the runner on first decides to run, is it a fire out at second or a tag?

[Replacematt]

Depends.

With two out and first base occupied, the batter is not out on the uncaught third strike, and any runners forced to advance by virtue of him becoming a runner are liable to be forced out.

With less than two out, the batter is out on the third strike, and runners are not forced.

[GPblue]

[Umpirechick1]

What Matt said... so if 1B is occupied, and there are less than 2 outs when there is an uncaught 3rd strike, the batter is out.  If the runner at 1st tries to steal 2nd, it's not a force - he must be tagged out.