Hit or fielders choice

Question
QUESTION: runner on 2nd, 1 out.  Grounder in hole that shortstop fields cleanly.  No chance to throw out batter.  After looking at batter, shortstop throws to second and runner is tagged out before returning to base.  Does batter get credited with a hit or fielder's choice?  Suppose runner beats throw and returns safely to the base, would that change scoring?

ANSWER: Tom,

If the runner reached second and was thrown out after over running the base and trying to return, then the batter is credited with a single.

If the runner is forced out at second, then the batter is 'credited' with a fielder's choice.

If the runner is safe at second either on the force out or overrunning the base, then the batter is credited with a single.

Hope this helps!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry, that didn't help because that wasn't the question.  There was no runner on first so it's not a force play question.  Runner is already on second when ball is put in play.  Shortstop throws behind runner when shortstop realizves there is no chance to throw out batter.  What I'm looking for is interpretation of rule 10.06c.

Hope this clarifies the question.  Thanks.

Answer
Tom,

Sorry about that - I misread the question.

Since there is no force out (and no error on the play), the batter is credited with a single.  No matter if the runner is put out or not.

Obviously, lot's of scorer judgement here - the scorer must absolutely think the fielder had no play on the runner on first.  If the scorer felt there was a chance to get the runner at first, they would score the play a fielder's choice.

Hope this helps!

Brian