force play

[ fawrs pley ]

noun

, Baseball.

1. a defensive play in which the fielder holding the ball can make a putout by stepping on, or otherwise touching, the base that a runner is heading toward, having been forced to advance to that base because of a batter’s base hit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of force play¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

In the 10th, Treinen gave up a run when Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled, stole second base, stole third base and scored on a force play.

From Los Angeles Times

The next batter, Steve Garvey, hit a shot to almost the same place, but Nettles grabbed it and threw to second for the force play and third out.

From Los Angeles Times

In the fourth, Matt Olson was initially called out on a force play at second.

From Washington Times

Crawford to set up a force play on the base.

From Seattle Times

Bryan De La Cruz had four hits for the Marlins, scoring twice and Jacob Stallings had two RBIs on an infield force play and a single.

From Washington Times