Fielders choice/force out
I am unclear how to score fielders choice versus force out. For example, runner on 1st, batter hits grounder to shortstop who flips to 2nd baseman, batter reaching 1st base safely. Is that scored as a fielders choice or a force out? Does it make a difference if it is the 3rd out of the inning?
Agree with Alex.
I think "force out" is more specific. Like Alex says, if the attempt to get another runner fails (but isn't an error), it's a Fielder's Choice (not a hit) but it's not a force out. Likewise a successful out on a non-forced runner is a Fielder's Choice.
I can see "FO12" and know immediately the bases were loaded for that play at the plate, while a "FC12" means a runner on 3rd was stopped (and a more difficult play, typically).
In either case, "Fielder's Choice" for both a fielder's choice and a force out isn't technically wrong, but using force out for force out and fielder's choice for non-force outs conveys more info, in my opinion.
Most of the time, forceout is what you want. Score it a fielder's choice only when the opponents put out (or attempt to put out) another runner by tagging (ie, a non-force), or if they try but fail to execute a forceout. The number of outs makes no difference.