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

Canady responded by striking out Taylor Stephens on a change-up and getting Kaitlyn Terry to ground into a force play at home to end the threat.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2025

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

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