For the official scorers and rule book experts in the audience, today's question relates to the following:
In today's Arizona game, with Goldschmidt on first, Upton pops up a bunt into foul territory. The opposing catcher catches it for an out and Goldschmidt alertly tags and takes second.
Shouldn't this be a sac fly, and if not, shouldn't this be a stolen base? The official scorer declared neither.
Isn't this a sac fly or a steal?
Re: Isn't this a sac fly or a steal?
You can only be credited with a sacrifice fly when a run scores as a result.
Very difficult to get a stolen base on a batted ball.
This would be the same as if he swung away and hit the ball deep enough in the park for the runner to advance from first to second base.
If anything, I'd like to still credit him with a sacrifice, since in the end he accomplished his mission of moving the runner over.
But rules say that the batter gets an F-2, with the runner advancing.
Once, a base runner broke from third and stole home. The pitcher reacting too late, lobbed the pitch home and the batter fouled it off. Before the swing, the runner had already slid across home plate, but since the ball was fouled he was sent back to third base. No stolen base even though the next base was already secured.
Very difficult to get a stolen base on a batted ball.
This would be the same as if he swung away and hit the ball deep enough in the park for the runner to advance from first to second base.
If anything, I'd like to still credit him with a sacrifice, since in the end he accomplished his mission of moving the runner over.
But rules say that the batter gets an F-2, with the runner advancing.
Once, a base runner broke from third and stole home. The pitcher reacting too late, lobbed the pitch home and the batter fouled it off. Before the swing, the runner had already slid across home plate, but since the ball was fouled he was sent back to third base. No stolen base even though the next base was already secured.
On my tombstone-
Wait! I never had the perfect draft!
Wait! I never had the perfect draft!
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Fourslot40
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Re: Isn't this a sac fly or a steal?
A run must score for a sac fly to be recorded. One could argue as to why it matters whether a run scored or not, but hitters "do try" to hit the ball in the air in these situations, thus giving themselves up. On non-scoring plays, a run isn't to be assumed therefore even though a runner can advance on a tag, he didn't give himself up (sacrifice).
Stolen bases are only awarded off of pitched balls. Also, a stolen base doesn't have to always be recorded on a straight steal. This is often up to the official scorer. A stolen base can be taken away and recorded as defensive indifference if the scorer feels that the opposing team never contested the play.
Just some info that everyone may already know, but wanted to mention based on the initial question.
Stolen bases are only awarded off of pitched balls. Also, a stolen base doesn't have to always be recorded on a straight steal. This is often up to the official scorer. A stolen base can be taken away and recorded as defensive indifference if the scorer feels that the opposing team never contested the play.
Just some info that everyone may already know, but wanted to mention based on the initial question.
Re: Isn't this a sac fly or a steal?
Appreciate the posted answers, guys. The nuances and peculiarities in scoring and umpiring baseball are mind blowing. I won't need reminding that I should never volunteer to be a scorer or an ump. I'll leave that to you folks.
- Robert