Ok guys, help me out here. I had a game on Wednesday and I was called out on a play where the third-baseman applied a tag while I was sliding into the base but then he LOST possession of the ball. It was not a force play, so that is not the issue. The issue here is that the third-baseman lost the ball. I know in baseball that a catcher needs to maintain possession of the ball after applying the tag. Does the same apply to slow-pitch softball? If you can, please direct me to the rule that would apply to this situation. Thanks!

The first thing you need to understand is that baseball and softball are NOT the same game.

Speaking ASA

If the fielder has control of the ball when making the tag and immediately thereafter, the tag is good and, if appropriate, the runner is out.

If the fielder loses control while making the tag, then it is not a legal tag.