force play

American  

[fawrs pley] / ˈfɔrs ˌpleɪ /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of force play

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

That meant, instead of a sacrifice fly situation, a force play was on for the defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

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 • Oct. 26, 2024

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 • May 23, 2023

Instead, Julio Rodriguez grounded into a force play and Ty France struck out to end the game.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 5, 2023

Throw it here!” yelled Collins, and Doyle, thinking that they were trying for a force play, increased his efforts to reach second.

From Pitching in a Pinch or, Baseball from the Inside by Mathewson, Christy