How to score this play

by Neil T.
(Lake Worth, Florida usa)

Neil asked: Runner on third, one out.

Batter hits fly ball to left field, left fielder drops the ball. Runner on third scores.

Is the play a sacrifice and error on the left fielder or an error with no RBI?


Rick answered: Neil, thank you for your question.

Rule 9.08 Sacrifices

The official scorer shall:

(d) Score a sacrifice fly when, before two are out, the batter hits a fly ball in flight handled by an outfielder or an infielder running in the outfield, in fair or foul territory.

(2) is dropped, and a runner scores, if in the scorers judgment the runner could have scored after the catch had the fly ball been caught.


Yours in baseball,

Rick