How would 5 outs be possible in a half-inning of baseball?

Question

What plays would need to be made for this to happen?

Answer 1

On an appeal play.

Here's the scenario:

Bases loaded, 1 out, runners at first (R1), second (R2) and third (R3).

Batter (BR) hits a long fly to the outfield which is caught on a diving play (Out #2). R3 comes home to score and R2 also comes home to score.

But... the defense notices that both R2 and R3 tagged up early and is about to appeal the play. Knowing that this will take two runs off the scoreboard, R1 gets caught in a rundown and is tagged out (Out #3).

At this point, if the defense trots off the field, two runs have scored. HOWEVER, they can still appeal that R2 and R3 left early.

Now if they are smart, they appeal that R2 and R3 both left early. This results in these runners being declared out, and their runs are removed from the scoreboard. Both of these outs take place after R1 was tagged out for the third in the half-inning, giving you 5.

Answer 2

People are going to be cute with their answers, as the asker is trying to be cute with his question. But the reality is, there can only be three outs recorded on the score sheet for any half inning. An uncaught third strike that enables the batter-runner to reach first is not scored as an out. And in the "apparent fourth out" appeal play to end an inning, only the third out is recorded, with the defense choosing which runner it wants to be out.

Answer 3

Jon T. is almost correct, but I think his scenario only yielded 4 outs. There would have to be 2 outs, not one, before the play Then when the two runners left early (or failed to touch a base) before the third out was made a successful appeal would make it 5 outs.

Answer 4

Have 2 outs and pull a triple play.

Answer 5

Any three regular outs, and two strike-outs where the catcher drops the ball and the runner bolts to first base.

Answer 6

There could be a double play and then the team for some reason or another might make a triple play afterwards.