Notice the rule references:
Quote:
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[the batter] or first base is tagged before he touches first base
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and
Quote:
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he touches it before he is out
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are NOT inconsistent. The first talks about when the timing of a tag (or base touch), while the second talks about the timing of the out. The out is a (possible) result, but not the equivalent of, a touch/tag.
I'm sure they could be worded better.