Batter passes runner

Tony B · #1 (**permalink**) Sat Mar 30, 2002, 10:45pm

I need a little help with a ruling.

Bases are loaded. There is ONE out. The batter hits a long fly ball that barely clears the fence for a HR. All runners had been tagging. The batter/runner passes the runner on first. I realize the batter/runner is out (for out #2). But, what is the ruling on the other runners? What, if any, is their advancement? I would appreciate knowing the "why" behind the "what." Thanks much.

greymule · #2 (**permalink**) Sat Mar 30, 2002, 11:17pm

With 1 out, it's easy: naturally, the batter is out for passing the runner, but the other 3 runs score, since they were all entitled to home when the ball cleared the fence. Of course, they could still make outs by passing each other, missing a base, etc.

With 2 out, it's a different story. PBUC 3.15: PLAY: Bases loaded, 2 out. Batter hits home run out of ball park but passes runner on first before runner on third reaches home plate. All runners continue around the bases and touch home. RULING: No runs score. This is a time play.

However, bases loaded, two outs: if the batter gets a base on balls and then zooms around first and passes the runner, he would be the third out, but the runner on third would still be allowed to score. (At least that's how I read PBUC 3.13.)