Question: In high school baseball and softball, score tied 1-1 in bottom of last inning; two outs with runners on third and second as batter grounds to shortstop, who overthrows first into dead ball area. All runners are awarded two bases from time of pitch. Is final score 2-1 or 3-1?

Answer: Final score is 3-1 because the game does not end the instant the winning run is scored when awarded bases are result of a defensive penalty. Awarded bases must be touched with liability for an appeal. (BB-Rule 9, Sec. 1, Art. 1 (note #2); (SB-Rule 8-3-11 & Rule 9-1-1)

Question: Runner from third misses home plate while trailing runner from second legally scores during playing action. Can runner return to touch home? Does run score?

Answer: Once a following runner has legally scored, lead runner loses chance to return and touch. Unless defense properly appeals, both runs score. (BB- Rule 8, Sec. 2, Art. 6 (d); & Rule 9-1-1; SB- Rule 2 Sec. 1 Art. 6(c) & Rule 9-1-1)