When R1 touches second base and is tagged off before R3 reaches home, what is the ruling?

In the scenario where R1 touches second base and is tagged out before R3 reaches home, the ruling is that R1 is out, and R3's run counts. This is because R3 has a legitimate opportunity to score, and as long as they crossed home plate while R1’s out was being recorded, R3's run is valid. The key principle here is that in baseball and softball, a base runner can score as long as they reach home plate before the third out is recorded.

It’s important to note that a third out can negate a run only if it is a force out or if the runner is put out for exceeding the base running rules. In this case, since R1 was tagged out after legally touching a base, and R3 scores before that out occurs, R3's run stands. This understanding aligns with the overall rules of scoring in baseball and softball, emphasizing the importance of timing regarding when runs are scored relative to outs being made.