So You Think You Know Baseball?

Question

SITUATION: With runners on first and third and one out, the batter flies out deep to right field for the second out. R3 tags up barely dodging the catcher’s tag. The alert catcher quickly throws to first base, where the first base man tags out R1, for the third out. The defense appeals accurately claiming that R3 left third base early. --- QUESTION: Does the run count? Why or Why not?

Answer 1

The run does not count, as this is one instance of the "apparent fourth out" play.

The action of the outfielder catching the batted ball, throwing to home, and then the catcher throwing to first is considered continuous action and does not affect the defense's ability to appeal the infraction of the runner from third.

Answer 2

First of all the run counts. By your own admission you say after the right-fielder makes the catch - and then you state that "R3 tags up" - and then you say he "barely dodged the catcher's tag". (Safe at home) The catcher was alert enough to throw to first base where they caught R1 napping and he was tagged for the third out. But the third out was not a force out. The defense can scream and appeal all they want about the runner leaving third base too soon - but, again, according to the way you phrased the question - you state that he did "tag up". The run counts.

Answer 3

This would be a valid "fourth out appeal".

The only "fourth out appeals" that can be made are those to negate a scored run. In this case, if the runner at first was not put out, an appeal for leaving early at third if honored would become the third out and also negate the run.

BTW, the runner at third is designated as R1, the one at first is designated as R2. There were only two on base so there is no R3. The batter would be a BR if ball was in play, but on a caught fly he is never a BR (batter runner) only a retired batter. Also, strangley enough, to negate another run ther can be a 5th out appeal! Very, very rare though.

Answer 4

Good Question this is one of those rare times that a team gets 4 outs in 1/2 inning,the runner that has got picked off first by the catcher is the 3rd out,but since the out over at third is a force out thats the 4th out and the run does not count. NO runs can count if the last out is a force out.

Answer 5

The whole thing about the guy at first doesnt even matter if he tagged up early. Now if R1 tagged early and was called out without safely reaching a base after the runner left 3rd base then the run doesnt count. It wouldnt count either way.

Answer 6

The run counts because the third out was after he crossed the plate the runner at first was tagged so no force and no mention if the appeal was succesful

Answer 7

The run counts.

The third out at first base ended the inning BEFORE the defensive team had a chance to appeal the play. The appeal play cannot take place until the next batter is up, when the pitcher should throw to the third baseman, who tags 3rd for the out negating the run. However, sine the inning ended with the play at first, there is no opportunity for an appeal - that would be the fourth out.

Answer 8

The runner from third scores. The run is good because the throw from the catcher never went back to the third baseball to force the tag up play, (or appeal play). Since the runner from third scored prior to the runner on first making the out from not tagging up, the run is good.

Answer 9

The run counts because the runner scored before the out was recorded.

Answer 10

No. Since the runner on third went too soon, and the defence appealed accurately, the run does not count. He was out before he made it home.