No Win Situation??

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by tibear

Situation: Only umpire (first problem). 2 outs, R2 and batter hits a line drive to the gap in left centre. I move into P15 position to start to watch the play and see both runners touch third and first. The BR is trying to stretch the hit into a double which draws a very good throw from the left fielder. I couldn't move behind the plate because the pitcher was standing on his mound (second problem because that is not where he is suppose to go in that situation) to watch the timing of when R2 touches the plate to the tag at second.

As a result of the pitcher's position, I'm up the line a bit to make the call at second, (an out of course ) then immediately turn to see where R2 is to see whether he touched the plate before the third out. I really couldn't tell, it was extremely close.

I made the decision since I couldn't say with certainty that the run scored that it wouldn't count. Of course the offense complained that the runner had touched before the out but I stayed with my call.

What did I do wrong, (besides agreeing to be the only umpire) and what should I have done?

When you are alone, your priorities change a little. First, you must know the status of the ball then your focus has to shift to the lead runner. He is your primary concern, now. Once the lead runner has scored or stopped, you can change your focus to the trailing runner/s. The only other solution is to have a minimum of 2 umpires.