Hit or fielders choice

[Narcosis]

Runner on first, shallow fly ball to outfield. First base runner goes a quarter way to 2nd and holds to see if ball is caught. Ball drops and outfielder throws 1st base runner out on force at 2nd. Batter-runner would have been safe if throw was to 1st. Do you score it as single with force at 2nd or fielders choice?

[FTMSupport]

Fielder's Choice.

From http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/of ... rer_10.jsp

Rule 10.05
...
(b) The official scorer shall not credit a base hit when a:
(1) runner is forced out by a batted ball, or would have been forced out except for a fielding error;
...

[Narcosis]

Thanks, that's what I thought. That really ***** for the batter because she would have been safe if they tried to throw her out at 1st.

[Narcosis]

Forgot to say this was a fastpitch softball game. I guess the above rule still aplies?

[OhioTex]

Yes, that is common definition of a fielders choice. It is same for baseball as fast pitch.

(when applying correct 'official scoring' there are a number of things that may seem disadvantageous to defense or offense, but when applied consistently across the board, creates a level statistical playing field-. )

here is an outstanding Scorers guide for Fast pitch
https://nfca.org/web_docs/store/ATECBey ... coring.pdf

and here is a Quote to re iterate = FC

Credit a fielder's choice
1. when a ball is put in play where a preceding runner is forced out on the hit, or would have been forced out had no error occurred,

batters are penalized for putting the ball in play to enable a fielders choice. Just like they are penalized (no RBI) when they hit into a double play, even if a run is plated on the play. Just the way the rules have been defined and applied consistently over time.

[Narcosis]

Thanks for the replies to help me understand. It does work itself out in the end.