A runner returns to first base on a deep fly ball and fails to touch second base during the return. A throw from the outfield attempts to double him off at first, but sails into the dugout. What is the correct ruling?

• A. For missing second base on the return, the runner cannot legally touch second base since he was standing on first when the ball became dead.
• B. Because the runner failed to touch second base on his return, he will not be awarded third base due to the overthrow into the dugout.
• C. If the runner correctly touches second base as he is advancing to third base on the award, his touching second base corrected his previous infraction.
• D. The umpire should eject the runner for missing the base on the return.

Answer: (C)

Missing a base is an infraction, but it can be cured if the runner touches the missed base during a subsequent baserunning action that is part of an award of bases when the ball becomes dead. Here, the throw from the outfield sails into the dugout, making the ball dead and triggering an award of two bases for runners. The runner who started on first would be advanced to third as part of that award. If, on the way to third, he correctly touches second base, that touch counts as touching the missed base, effectively correcting the earlier infraction. So, no out is recorded, and the runner ends up on the awarded base(s) per the play.