Batter/Runner Misses First
 

Bases loaded, two outs. Batter hits slow roller to second and beats the throw to first, but steps over the base without touching it. The throw is wild and bounces off the block wall of the equipment room back toward first. The runner makes no attempt for second and has not began his return to first when the first baseman picks up the ball and steps on first saying the runner missed the bag. The runner is called out on appeal.

Does the run count?

Run does not count. See Fred Merkle's Boner.

This is not Merkle's Boner.

Merkle's Boner involved an R1 not advancing on a game winning hit to the outfield. This was typical practice at the time, but the umpire ruled the runner out and from this point forward, runners were expected to advance to a forced base.

Was the BR out before (legally) reaching first? Yes.

Can a run ever score when that happens? No.