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

At shortstop, Tommy Edman saved pitcher Brusdar Graterol by leaping high to catch an ill-advised throw and descending to nick second base for a force play.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2024

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

Adam Frazier tied it by grounding into a force play, but Civale then escaped the inning when Rutschman grounded into a double play on the first pitch.

From Washington Times • Sep. 14, 2023

Jon Singleton walked with two outs, but the Astros came away empty when Mauricio Dubon grounded into a force play.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 13, 2023

These semi-conscious centres of force play a great part at séances, and are mostly the agents who are active in producing physical phenomena.

From Death—and After? by Besant, Annie Wood