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

See Examples For:

force play

Sierra Canyon brought in sophomore pitcher Milo Benattar, who got a fly out and force play to save a 3-2 victory.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2025

All six runs in the inning were unearned after second baseman Bryson Stott dropped a throw from shortstop Trea Turner on a potential force play.

From Washington Times ● May 16, 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