The Nationals got burned by an obscure 'fourth out' MLB rule that allowed Pirates to score on inning-ending double play

If you read that headline above and were confused, believe me: It’s very understandable.

Because there’s a rule that somehow allowed a Pittsburgh Pirates player to score despite the fact that the Washington Nationals pulled off an inning-ending double play.

Here’s the situation: It was 3-3 in the fifth inning with Pirates on second and third with one out. Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a ball that was caught by Josh Bell, who threw to Ehire Adrianza at third base. Adrianza caught it, tagged Hoy Park and that was a double play that ended the inning.

Except … Jack Suwinski had scored from third. And as the Nationals ran off the field, everyone realized that the Pirates were credited with a run.

What? How could someone do that when there was a double play to end the inning?

Welcome to the very obscure “fourth out” rule: