George Mahl

I was asked that question last weekend by someone who attended the Lutcher-Berwick softball playoff game. “I think that would be a good column topic for you,” she said.

Well, here you go.

When scoring a game, it can be sometimes difficult to determine what is an error.

I think there are a couple of questions that you need to ask yourself before scoring it a hit or an error.

Here is an example: If a player hits a routine ground ball (that is not very hard hit) and a shortstop goes out of his way to make a play and throws it away, is it considered an error? In my opinion, yes and no. Yes because he threw the ball away, but no because the runner would have beaten out the throw. It is strictly a judgement call.

Here is another example of what can be considered and error. Let’s say that a ball is hit to shallow right-field and the second baseman tries to make a play. He is running while looking up for the ball when the ball hits in his mit and bounces out.

I guess you could say that is an error, but you could also say it should be ruled a hit because it was a very difficult play to make. If it happens in the seventh inning and a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter, then it becomes a more difficult decision, especially if you are scoring the game for the team who pitcher has a no-hitter.

You have to ask yourself “do I want to score it the right way or do I want our pitcher to not allow a hit.” It can be a difficult situation to be in.

Another scenario involves a ball hit to a third baseman.

For example, a ball is hit deep into the hole and third baseman has to hurry and make a throw. He backhands the ball and makes the long throw across the diamond. He throws the ball way above the first-baseman’s head and the ball gets by him.

However, regardless if the ball sailed over the first-baseman’s head or not, the runner would have been safe. In my opinion, it should be ruled a hit. But, I guess I can understand if it was ruled an error. It was a bad throw.

Regardless, the old saying goes errors will come back to haunt you applies to almost every game. Errors can sometimes cost a team a game or even a season for a team.

Not everyone is perfect.