i have 3 questions about when to score a run unearned.
1. lets say the first batter of the inning hits a double. the next guy hits a ground ball to the second basemen but he makes a bad throw to first and the runner that was on second scored. would that run be earned or unearned?
2. this time lets say the first runner hits a ground ball to the second basemen and he makes a bad throw to first so the batter is on first. the runner on first steals second. then the batter hits a double and scores the runner on second. is that run earned or unearned?
3. first batter gets a single. second batter hits to the second basemen who bobbles the ball and both runners are safe. next batter hits a double and both runners score. would both of the runs be unearned or would there be one earned and one unearned run?

1) At that point it would be unearned if the pitcher were to get the next two outs on which the runner wouldn't have scored from third then it would stay unearned. However, if there was a HR or a run scoring hit before 2 other outs it would be earned.

2) That run is unearned.

3) One run is earned because you can not assume a double play and one is unearned.

austin9, Very good question but the answer is: we don't know. (let me explain) If a run scores because of an error that run will be unearned ONLY if that run would NOT have scored without the aid of an error. But in this case that run COULD have scored any way ---- .

quote:

1. let's say the first batter of the inning hits a double. the next guy hits a ground ball to the second basemen but he makes a bad throw to first and the runner that was on second scored. would that run be earned or unearned?

It cannot be determined if that run is earned or unearned at this point. One would assume the run would have advanced to third IF the putout were made on the second batter --Right? If so, you have a man at third and one out. This run would be unearned is if in the scorer's opinion the next two batters were retired without the runner being able to score from third. There are a number of ways this run COULD end up being an earned run. A sac fly, a gound out or a base hit would make it an earned run or even a wild pitch. This run could even be an earned run even if another error were made. (you have to think about that).
In #2 and #3 you have a runner get on base BECAUSE of an error. Those runners can NEVER be an earned run, Remember the rule, if the run scores BECAUSE of and error and would have NOT scored if NO errors were made the run is unearned. So, ANY runner that REACHES base because on an error can NEVER be an earned run.
Fungo

Sometimes I find it a little difficult to determine "normal" play. Say a runner on third because of an error but should be on second..., then there's a base hit, would the runner on second have scored? I try so hard not to cook the books for my son that I've score some of those as Earned even though I don't think the runner would have scored, but you don't know if he would have been sent or if a good throw would have gotten him out etc etc etc.

I agree with the posts here;

#1 - it depends on what happens next
#2 - no one that reaches due to an error can be earned
#3 - I'd say the second batter has the error so he can't be an earned run but the lead guy still can be. Unless the error was made in the attempt to get out the first guy (and it would have gotten him out), then the second guy is on due to a FC and can be earned.

The rules do say that you give the pitcher the benefit of the doubt, so you can always point to that passage if someone accuses you of being biased. Just make sure you do the same no matter who's on the hill, your son or a teammate, or an opponent.

thanks for the replies everyone. it seems like everytime i pitched last year a guy would get on base and score but there would be an error in inbetween there somewhere. ive got another question though.
-2 outs. the batter reaches first on a dropped third strike. next batter hits a home run. next batter grounds out. one earned run and one unearned run? i dont know.

All unearned like you described it in your last question. However, if there are two outs, the batter swings with 2 strikes on a wild pitch and reaches first. The next batter hits a homerun, both earned. With a batter reaching on a third strike it depends on the third being a passed ball or wild pitch.

This Tuesday a runner got to second on a wild pitch third strike (Florida vs. FSU). The catcher couldn't locate the ball. The run was earned.