is a run scored on a balk an earned run?

by Jon
(Seattle, WA)

Jon asked: Runners 1st & 3rd, one out.

Balk called, runners advance.

Is the run an earned run?


Rick answered: Jon, thank you for your question.

Rule 9.16 Earned Runs and Runs Allowed

Rule 9.16 (a) An earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned runs, the offficial scorer shall reconstruct the inning without errors (which exclude catcher's interference) and passed balls, giving the benefit of the doubt always to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached by runners had there been error-less play.

(a) The official scorer shall charge an earned run against a pitcher every time a runner reaches home base by the aid of safe hits, sacrifice bunts, a sacrifice fly, stolen bases, put outs, fielder's choices, base on balls, hit batters, balks or wild pitches,(including a wild pitch on a third strike that permits a batter to reach first base) before fielding chances have been offered to put out the offensive team.


Runs scored on balks are considered earned.

Yours in baseball,

Rick