rule 5.08

Expert Analysis

Multiple Ways a Time Play Can Score a Run

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The Phillies hosted the Giants on August 23, 2023. In the top of the tenth inning the Giants had Wade Meckler on third and Paul DeJong on first and one out when Thairo Estrada lined to center field for the second out. The ball went from center field to first base where DeJong was doubled-up…

Expert Analysis

2023 Game and Inning Ending Plays

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I’m sure you remember Kool and the Gang’s popular hit, “Celebrate Good Times Come On.” Over the years baseball players have prematurely celebrated victories because of their ignorance of the rules. In this column I am covering six game-ending situations that players and coaches should be aware of. Unless noted, the Pro, NCAA, and NFHS rules…

Expert Analysis

Time Play 2023

Topics: Time Play

The Marlins and Mets played at Citi Field on April 7, 2023. In the bottom of the seventh, the Mets had Mark Canha on third and Eduardo Escobar on first with one out when Tomás Nido, facing Tanner Scott, lofted a fly to left field that was caught by Jesús Sánchez. Canha tagged-up at third…

Expert Analysis

Can Teammates Assist a Runner to First Base?

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The Rangers-Orioles game on July 4th in Baltimore ended on an intriguing note. With the score tied 6-6, Rougned Odor led off the 10th with a bunt single off Rangers’ pitcher Matt Moore that advanced automatic runner Austin Hays to third. Moore then intentionally walked Ramón Urías to load the bases before hitting Luis Mateo…

Expert Analysis

Time Plays

Topics: Time Play

Play No. 1 The Blue Jays and Angels played in Anaheim on May 26th. In the bottom of the sixth, the Angels had Matt Duffy on third and Max Stassi on first with one out when Jared Walsh hit a ground ball to Cavan Biggio. The Blue Jays’ first baseman stepped on first to retire…

Expert Analysis

Special Report: Time Play Rules Controversy

Topics: Time Play

The 2017 baseball season wasn’t quite two days old when we had our first “Time Play” confusion. When the third out of an inning is not the result of a force play and it happens about the same time a runner is crossing the plate, the plate umpire must decide “in time,” what occurred first-the…

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