What happens if a runner misses a base and is tagged while having attempted to return?

When a runner misses a base and is tagged while attempting to return, he is declared out. This is because a runner is obligated to touch all bases in order when advancing and must return to the missed base before proceeding. When a defense tags a runner who is in the act of returning to a base that he missed, the tag is considered a legitimate play, resulting in the runner being ruled out.

This rule is in place to maintain the integrity of base running, ensuring that players adhere to the correct path around the bases. A missed base is a fundamental error in base running, and an attempted return does not grant the runner any special privileges if tagged. It reinforces the importance of touching all bases accurately during both advancement and retreat.

Other options suggest scenarios where the runner would not be declared out, either by being allowed to retouch the missed base or being considered safe. However, these do not align with the established rules of baseball regarding missed bases and tagging.