Force out to end the inning does the run count

[JJ1775]

Senior Softball Rules (slow-pitch)

Runners on 1st, 2nd and 3rd with ONE out

Batter hits a potential gap line drive to left center

Left center fielder catches it for out number TWO

Runner at 3rd stayed on 3rd until it was caught and heads for home

Runner at 2nd thought it was going to drop so he was half way to 3rd when the ball was caught (left way early)

So, he tried to get back to 2nd base but the left fielder threw it to the rover who threw it to the 2nd baseman standing on 2nd base and the runner was forced out trying to get back for the THIRD out.  

Does the run score or not?  The runner tagging from 3rd to home crossed the plate before the put out but the put out was a force play NOT a tag play because the runner left early before it was caught and could not get back in time

[RBIbaseball]

Yes the run scores. The "tag up" appeal at 2B is not a "force out". No runner was forced to advance.

 

It's a time play.

[grayhawk]

Remember, there can never be a force out on a ball caught in flight.

[noumpere]

3 hours ago, JJ1775 said:

and the runner was forced out trying to get back for the THIRD out.  

 

"Tag the base to get an out" and "force play" are not synonymous.

[flyingron]

16 hours ago, noumpere said:

"Tag the base to get an out" and "force play" are not synonymous.

This is where people get confused.    It works both ways, too.    Not all outs made by tagging the base are forces, and forces can be made by  means other than tagging the base (you can tag the forced runner).

[Velho]

2 minutes ago, flyingron said:

This is where people get confused.    It works both ways, too.    Not all outs made by tagging the base are forces, and forces can be made by  means other than tagging the base (you can tag the forced runner).

👆 

"Forced" is a state of being for the runner.

[beerguy55]

On 3/19/2025 at 4:51 PM, JJ1775 said:

but the put out was a force play NOT a tag play

As stated, this is an appeal, not a force.  And don't feel bad - I've seen umpires screw this up, so it never surprises me when I see the coaches, players and spectators get this wrong.  Force describes the status of the runner, not the method of the out.

[flyingron]

On 3/21/2025 at 10:35 AM, beerguy55 said:

As stated, this is an appeal, not a force.  And don't feel bad - I've seen umpires screw this up, so it never surprises me when I see the coaches, players and spectators get this wrong.  Force describes the status of the runner, not the method of the out.

Reread my post.   I was explaining ways people get force-versus-appeal confused when they think it's defined by method of putting the runner out.    I was pointing out that both tagging the runner and stepping the bag can be be used to put runners out on forces and appeals (which ever one is appropriate).     I.e., the method that you put the runner out doesn't define whether it is a force or appeal.

[beerguy55]

21 hours ago, flyingron said:

Reread my post.   I was explaining ways people get force-versus-appeal confused when they think it's defined by method of putting the runner out.    I was pointing out that both tagging the runner and stepping the bag can be be used to put runners out on forces and appeals (which ever one is appropriate).     I.e., the method that you put the runner out doesn't define whether it is a force or appeal.

And? I wasn't responding to you, nor commenting on your words, so not sure why I need to re-read your post, or how my statement was in any way incorrect...or in any way contradicted what you may have said - I didn't even quote or reference your statement.  Color me confused.