Interesting Play
 

ASA SP Rec. Mens - 1 umpire

1 out R1 on 3rd, R2 on 2nd, R3 on 1st - Batter hits soft liner between F1 and F6 - No way either one could have caught with ordinary effort, F1 barely gets glove on ball and drops it - here is where the fun begins - R1 runs home, R2 stays on 2nd, R3 runs toward 2nd, BR runs to 1st - F1 picks up ball and throws to 3rd getting force on R2, I am watching ball go to 3rd and F5 fumbling ball before finally getting control - R2 is still standing on 2nd, R1 has either touched on not touched 2nd (his team swears he did, but I didn't see while I was watching ball) and is heading back to 1st - BR is on 1st - Defense is confused, when they realize to throw it to 2nd - throw to F4 standing on 2nd just beats R1 as he slides in - I call R1 out - end of inning.

1) If R1 never touched 2nd is this the right call?

2) If R1 had touched 2nd, what is the call?

3) Any suggestions on positioning, so I could have maybe seen if R1 did or did not touch 2nd?

Thanks

No, R1 crossed the plate. I guess you are referring to R3R2 is out on the force at 3B. R3 is out on the force at 2B. Touching the base is irrelevant if R3 was returning to 1B.

No runs score.

2) Force is reinstated even if R3 touched 2nd.
3) You could try bi-locating, ;) or just get an angle facing CF and looking back and forth. Often, we can judge the timing of a runner arriving at base and look quickly just to verify contact.

Yes - I meant R3, I got R1 and R3 switched.

No need to worry about whether he touched or not. If he headed back, the force is back on at 2nd. You ruled right.

This is the biggie since the force was reinstated.