Rules and outs
Force play
A force play happens when a runner has to advance because the batter became a runner. The defense can get him out by touching the base he's forced to with the ball in hand; no tag needed.
A runner on first is always forced to run on a ground ball or bunt, because the batter needs first base. With runners on first and second, both are forced. A runner on second alone, or on third alone, isn't forced and has to be tagged.
That's why bunt defense looks at the force on the lead runner first: touching a base is faster and safer than chasing a tag.
Free to start
Watch every play, then quiz yourself on it
No card, no password. Game Situations and a daily Learn session are free.