Scenario: The first batter of an inning strikes out. The second hits a triple. The third connects for a run-scoring single. The fourth batter strikes out on a pitch in the dirt that rolls away from the catcher, allowing the runner at first to advance to second. You charge a wild pitch to the pitcher for this. The fifth batter singles down the middle, scoring the runner from second on a close play at the plate (in your opinion, the runner would not have scored from first, and so the advancement on the wild pitch enabled the run). The sixth batters flies out to the centre fielder, stranding the runner at first.
As the official scorer, how many of the 2 runs that score do you charge as earned runs against the pitcher?
A – 0.
BÂ – 1.
CÂ – 2.
Highlight the text below to reveal the answer:
Answer:Â C – 2.
Rule 10.16(a) states:
… A wild pitch is solely the pitcher’s fault and shall contribute to an earned run just as a base on balls or a balk …
I had a tough time of it reading this in Google Reader, since it had three runs still as an option. I scratched my head for a good few minutes trying to work out where the extra run came from before discovering the amended version above. Phew, got the right answer!
Damn Google reader. I thought I could just sneak in and amend that before anyone else spotted it!