TIE goes to the RUNNER because...

ccording to OBR 7.08(c), in the case of a runner not forced to advance, being "put out" means being "tagged, when the ball is alive, while off a base." So, if the runner is in contact with the base, even if that contact is made at the same precise moment that a tag is applied, he is NOT OUT.

But: TIE goes to the FIELDER because...

According to OBR 7.08(e), in the case of a runner forced to advance by reason of the batter becoming a runner, the runner is out if he "fails to reach the next base before a fielder tags the runner or the base...." So, if the runner, or the base to which he is advancing on a force play, is tagged at the same time as the runner reaches the base, then he is OUT.

Continued...