Stepping on the Ball and Missing Home Plate
Dave from Dallas, TX asks:
Runner is rounding third and the throw from the outfield gets away from the catcher and runner heads home. The pitcher is slow to cover the plate so the play isn't close, but catcher throws weakly toward home and the ball and runner get to the plate simultaneously. The runner steps on the ball which is on the plate and falls down on other side of plate, never touching the plate. The pitcher picks up ball and tags runner. Is the runner out or safe?
Even though the ball was on the plate when he stepped on it, since he did not actually touch the plate, when the pitcher tags the runner before he touches the plate he is out.
Answered by: Jonathan Bravo
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