Does The Run Count

[Guest J Brux]

Runners on second and third, 1 out. Batter flys out to left, both runners leave early and do not return to tag up. Runner on second is doubled up for the third out but the runner on third scored before the runner on second was doubled up.  Does the run count?  Can the run be challenged by throwing the ball to third before the first pitch of their next turn on defense?  

[Mussgrass]

If the defense properly appeals the runner leaving 3rd early he will be called out on for an apparent 4th out, which will negate the run scoring. If the defense does not appeal then the run counts.

One more thing, different rule sets may specify the time limit for the appeal to take place.  In OBR the defense has until the last fielder leaves fair territory. Other codes may be different.

There is video in the Close Call Sports section of this forum from a few weeks ago showing this very occurrence.

[noumpere]

The run scores (on the initial play) because the out at second is NOT a force out.  A force out happens when a runner is forced to LEAVE his base.  Too many think that because the out is obtained by "tagging the base" it's a force out, but "tagging a base" and "force out" are not synonyms.

 

The defense can cancel the run if they appeal R3's leaving early before they leave the field -- the specifics of that might vary (e.g., FED allows verbal appeals, other codes require tagging third (or the runner which isn't really an option here); some codes require the appeal before the infielders leave fair territory, some might be more lenient)

[Senor Azul]

Even though there has been a post awarded the prestigious checkmark signifying the best answer to the question posed in the OP, it does contain a big mistake. OBR is just like FED and NCAA in that one of its rules tells us that the opportunity to appeal a base running infraction ends when all the infielders (including the pitcher and when the catcher leaves the dirt circle) leave fair territory. The OBR rule is 5.09(c)--

2021 OBR rule 5.09(c) Appeal Plays

Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when:

Any appeal under this rule must be made before the next pitch, or any play or attempted play. If the violation occurs during a play which ends a half-inning, the appeal must be made before the defensive team leaves the field…

…For the purpose of this rule, the defensive team has “left the field” when the pitcher and all infielders have left fair territory on their way to the bench or Clubhouse.

NCAA actually states this limitation in its rules 5-8c, 5-13b, and 8-6b. FED covers it in its rule 8-2 Penalty 2.