Fielder's Choice Scoring: Understanding the Rules & Decision

Question
Hello Brian !

Quick question about a scoring decision in our game today. There was a runner on 1st.  The batter hit a ball between 1st and 2nd. The 1st baseman got the ball and threw it to 2nd in an attempt to get the lead runner. The SS dropped the ball (an error) so both runners were safe. Is the batter credited with a fielder's choice ? He would have been safe, more than likely, if the 1st baseman had tried to get him at 1st.  The batter insisted it was a hit but I feel it's a fielder's choice. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks !
Keith


Answer
Keith,

Since with ordinary effort, the first baseman would have retired the runner at second, the batter can't be awarded a hit.  He would have received a fielder's choice if the play had been made so that's what he gets even though an error was made.

Hope this helps!

Brian