E, FC, or Hit?

[rjteal]

Runner on 2nd, batter hits a ground ball between 3rd and SS, 3rd baseman goes far to his left, dives, and knocks the ball down but doesn't hang on to it. Batter is safe at 1st and runner advances to 3rd. Normally I would score this a Hit as the 3rd baseman used much more than "ordinary effort" to get to the ball.

But, using his momentum in getting back into position after covering 2nd on a potential pick-off, the SS had gone far to his right and was actually in a position to field the ball and get the batter out at first. So if the 3rd baseman hadn't touched the ball, the batter would be out, and the runner may still be on 2nd.

I can't see giving the batter a Hit, nor can I see giving the 3rd baseman an error. He didn't know the SS was in position as he knew the SS was watching 2nd for a possible Pick-off. He thought he was just trying to keep the ball in the infield so the run wouldn't score.

I scored it as a FC. I'm interested in how others would have scored it.

[cookstersalibi]

I have looked at a number of publications regarding scoring and I'm not seeing anything that faults the fielder for not knowing the positioning of his teammates, therefore, I believe the correct way to score this is an infield base hit.

[petrodude]

I agree with it being a hit.

From the MLB rules is this comment:

Rule 10.05(a)(2) Comment: The official scorer shall credit a hit if the fielder attempting to handle the ball cannot make a play, even if such fielder deflects the ball from or cuts off another fielder who could have put out a runner.

[rjteal]

You are right, this situation is definately covered by Rule 10.05(a)(2). I should have scored it a Hit, not a FC. Thanks!