BASERUNNER FORCED FROM BASE

Question
Situation: Runner on first, one out. Batter hits hard ground ball directly to first baseman. Runner stays on first base to dodge the ball. First baseman catches ball, tags runner still on first base and then steps on the base. Umpire calls batter out and baserunner safe since he was in contact with first base at the time of the tag. Right  or wrong call? (ASA rules)

Answer
Hi Dan,

wrong, R1 is forced from the base and if tagged (even on the base) is out as they can no longer legally occupy it IF F3 has not yet touched the bag for an out on the b-r as you wrote.

This is a very common double play in softball (tag the runner, step on the base) and you obviously had an umpire that needs more rule training.

mark