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I'm going to play Devils advocate here. Every interpretation I've looked at suggests the run would be nullified if R3 was forced to advance and the BR failed to touch first. You can't call the BR out for desertion until he reaches his dugout steps, as BR has yet to adopt the 2006 dirt circle restriction. I see this as an advance by R3 on a passed ball/wild pitch, which in my mind would end the game the moment he touches the plate.
J/R
By rule, a Batter-Runner cannot be out for abandoning before touching (or passing) first base. However, a Batter-Runner who aborts an advance toward first base before touching (or passing) such base and reaches his bench, dugout, dugout steps, or defensive position is out because of his desertion. Desertion typically occurs when a third strike is not caught and the defense neglects tagging the B/R or first base. Although improbable, desertion can also occur an award (e.g., after ball four after the B/R goes directly to his dugout in favor of a pinch-runner) or a batted ball.
MLBUM
Official Baseball Rule 4.09(b) provides that when the winning run is scored in the last half inning of a regulation game (or in the last half of an extra inning) as the result of a base on balls, hit batter or any other play with the bases full that forces the runner on third to advance, the umpire shall not declare the game ended until the runner forced to advance from third has touched home base and the batter-runner has touched first base.
JEA
Customs and Usage: Umpires should be alert on game-ending situations in which the batter walks and forces the winning run. With 2 outs, he shall be called out for his failure to comply with 6.08(a) and the wining run nullified...4.09(b). With less than 2 outs he shall be called out but the run would be scored. Umpires should make a practice of not granting time for a substitution after a batter has drawn 4 balls. Instruct the batter to advance to and touch first base before calling "time." However, if time is inadvertently granted by the umpire, a legal substitution may be made in accordance with 3.03 ("...any time the ball is dead")
Situations: Runners on second and third. Two outs...3-2 count on the batter. The runner on third is attempting to steal home on the next pitch. The next pitch is high and inside and the catcher is able to tag out the runner before he reaches the plate. Is the side retired or does the walk nullify the play?
RULING: The batter walked and completed his time at bat...and since the runner was not forced in by the walk...the play on him stands. He is the third out.
Tim.
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