Baseball Rule Question: Base Hit or Error When Ball Drops?

Question
In a high school baseball game...
Batter hits a popup about 15 feet behind the first baseman. Second baseman comes over. Ball falls untouched about five feet from each player.  I would have said that this was the second baseman's ball ---- but, either player could have caught the ball. I recorded this as a base hit.

Question - Should this have been recorded as an error and, if so, by whom?

Thanks,
Greg

Answer
Greg,

It should have been recorded as an error.  The rules state that if a fielder using ordinary effort should have made the play, then it can be an error, even if the fielder doesn't touch the ball.  Since in your judgement the 2nd baseman had the best chance, he should get the error.

Hope this helps!

Brian