Base Running

[Guest Brian Hey]

Runner of first base.  One out.  Batter hits a low line drive to first basemen.  First basemen picks it clean on one hop.  Runner on first returns to first base without being tagged. 

(a) Is it a double play if the first basemen tags the runner on first base before touching first base with his foot?

(b) Is it a double play if the first basement tags the base with his foot first and and then tags the runner standing on first base?

Thanks,

Brian

[beerguy55]

6 minutes ago, Guest Brian Hey said:

Runner of first base.  One out.  Batter hits a low line drive to first basemen.  First basemen picks it clean on one hop.  Runner on first returns to first base without being tagged. 

(a) Is it a double play if the first basemen tags the runner on first base before touching first base with his foot?

(b) Is it a double play if the first basement tags the base with his foot first and and then tags the runner standing on first base?

Thanks,

Brian

a. yes

b. no

While the force is on (the batter hit a fair ball and is now a runner), the runner on first is not safe on that bag.  Once the batter is retired, the runner is now entitled to that base and is safe if standing on it.