Question: In high school baseball and softball, runner on first base; speedy batter hits a sinking line drive, which drops in front of left fielder. Runner from first base hesitates in advancing to second base and batter-runner passes lead runner. Is any runner called out? Is the force play still in effect at second base?
Answer: Batter-runner is called out the instant he/she passes runner; ball remains live but force is no longer in effect at second. Runner can choose to advance or retreat at own risk. (BB – Rule 8, Sec. 4, Art. 2(m); SB – Rule 8, Sec. 6, Art. 4)
Question: Bases loaded; two outs; batter hits homerun over fence; in haste, batter-runner passes runner between first and second. Who is out? Do any runs score?
Answer: Batter-runner is declared the third out for passing runner, but all three runs score because bases were awarded runners due to home run. (BB – Rule 8-4-2(m) & SB – Rule 8-6-4)