Scenario: With the bases loaded and two outs, the batter hits a soft grounder back to the pitcher, who throws to the catcher for a force-out. How many players did the team leave on base?

A – 2.
B – 3.
C – 4.

Highlight the text below to reveal the answer:

Answer: B – 3.

Rule 10.02(g) states:
Number of runners left on base by each team […] The official scorer shall include in this total a batter-runner whose batted ball results in another runner being retired for the third out.

So the batter-runner counts as being left on base, even though the player may not have even bothered to run all the way to first. The runner advancing from third was retired so the batter-runner is added to the two other players already on base to give a total of three.