Scoring - Hit or Fielders Choice
Question
The question I have relates to instances when runners are on base giving the defense an opportunity to force an advance runner out, when they have no play at first base on the batter. For example, there are runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs, a very fast runner, hits the ball in the hole at shortstop, the shortstop makes a great diving play, and has no chance of getting the runner out at first. However, she is able to throw to 3rd base in time to force out the lead runner. In the past, I had always scored the hitter as reaching on a Fielders Choice, and that it was just "tough luck" in that the fielder had a play on the runner advancing from 2nd to 3rd. Another example might be a shallow pop fly hit to center field with a runner on first base. The runner thinks the ball will be caught, so she stays close enough to first so that she is not doubled off. However, the ball falls in and the Center Fielder has a force play at 2nd base to get the out. Recently, I have been scoring the hitter with base hit in these examples, as our coach has advised that I should score the batter based on what they've done,and whether the batter would reach safely if no other runners were on base. In the back of my mind, I'm not convinced the scoring is correct. Which is correct, hit or fielders choice? Thanks.
Answer
It is still a fielder's choice.
Item no. 1 on fielder's choice from the National Fastpitch Coaches Assn. scoring guide.
Credit a fielder's choice
1. when a ball is put in play where a preceding runner is forced out on the hit, or
would have been forced out had no error occurred,
You just can't get credit for a hit if a preceding runner is put out! It doesn't matter if you would have been safe. No credit for putting a ball in play that gets a runner out.
Tom
Definition of an overthrow and application of the rule
Runner out of basepath?