Yes, a force out can indeed be achieved by tagging the runner. While touching the base is a common method for completing a force out, tagging the forced runner is also a valid way to record the out.
Understanding a Force Out
A force out occurs in baseball when a runner is obligated to advance to the next base because the batter becomes a runner and occupies the base the previous runner just left, or all preceding bases are occupied. This forces the runner to vacate their current base and advance. For a fielder to successfully get this forced runner out, they must complete the play while possessing a batted fair ball.
There are two primary methods for a fielder to record a force out:
- Touching the Base: The fielder, while holding the ball, touches the base to which the forced runner must advance before the runner reaches that base. This is often seen at first base when a batter-runner is out, or at second or third base on a ground ball.
- Tagging the Runner: The fielder, while holding the ball, tags the forced runner before the runner touches the base they are obligated to advance to. This method directly answers the question, confirming that a tag can be the mechanism for a force out.
How a Tag Completes a Force Out
While many associate force outs solely with stepping on a base, the rules clearly allow for a tag. Consider a scenario where runners are on first and second base, and the batter hits a ground ball. The runner on first is forced to advance to second, and the runner on second is forced to advance to third.
- If the shortstop fields the ball and steps on second base before the runner from first arrives, that's a force out by touching the base.
- However, if the shortstop fields the ball, runs towards the forced runner from first, and tags them before they reach second base, that is also a valid force out. The runner was forced to advance, and the tag completed the out.
Distinguishing Force Outs from Tag Outs (Non-Force)
It's important to differentiate a tag out in a force situation from a general tag out. A general tag out occurs when a runner is not forced to advance but is put out by a fielder tagging them with the ball before they reach a base safely or return to one.
Here's a quick comparison of the two force out methods:
| Force Out Method | Description | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Touching Base | Fielder with a fair batted ball touches the base a forced runner must advance to, before the runner reaches it. | Runner on first, batter hits ground ball to second baseman, who steps on second base before runner from first reaches it. |
| Tagging Runner | Fielder with a fair batted ball tags the forced runner before the runner touches the base they are obligated to advance to. | Runner on first, batter hits ground ball. Fielder retrieves ball, chases, and tags the runner from first before they touch second base. |
For more details on baseball rules, you can refer to the Official Baseball Rules.
