Drop third Strike, two outs, runner on 3rd.

Question
Situation:  Two outs, runner on 3rd base (R-3) (no other runners) and batter-runner (RB-1) swings at third strike that is dropped.  Runner on third (R-3) breaks for home.  Runner-Batter (RB-1)realizes after a moment that she needs to run to first.  Runner from third (R-3) crosses home plate without being tagged.  THEN Catcher retrieves the dropped ball and makes the play at first base to put out the Runner-Batter (RB-1) at first base for the third out of the inning.

The Question:  Does the RUN score?  -  the reason I ask is that the runner from 3rd (R-3) crossed the plate PRIOR to the third out being made at first base on the Runner-Batter (RB-1).

Possible thought:  Does the dropped third strike create a force that would nullify any runs made as long as the force play at first is made, NO MATTER which occurs first??

Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hi Jason,

Thank you for your question.  You have good instincts for the rules, as you answered your own question in your "possible thought."  The dropped third strike DOES create a force play situation on the batter/runner, and a run does NOT count when the batter/runner is forced out at 1B for the third out.  FYI, below are all five situations that result in a run NOT counting when the third out of the inning is made:

1.  (Yours)  The b/r is put out prior to reaching 1B
2.  (Yours)  Any force out

3.  An appeal play at a base to which a runner was forced
4.  A runner is put out by a tag or live-ball appeal play prior to the lead runner touching home
5.  A preceding runner is called out on an appeal play

Scott Kelly