A player does not earn an RBI if he hits into a double play and a run scores; if a run is scored on a wild pitch or passed ball; as a consequence of an error; or if the pitcher balks. If a player is walked or hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, he receives an RBI.
The only way a player will not get an RBI on a base knock is if it turns into a double play. However, even this does not always happen. For example, a runner can reach first base on an error or walk without getting an RBI if the batter fails to advance him with a sacrifice bunt or fly out.
It's also possible for a batter to reach base via a HBP while still receiving an RBI. This happens when a pitcher throws a wild pitch or passes ball that allows the batter to advance beyond first base. For example, say the pitcher throws a wild pitch that allows the batter to reach second base. The next batter then strikes out, so no further runs score. Since the player reached base in some other way than by hitting the ball, he does not receive an RBI despite advancing himself on a wild pitch.
However, if the same situation arose with a batting practice throw from the pitcher's mound, that would be considered an automatic out. In this case, the batter would not receive an RBI because he did not reach base legally.
When a run scored as a consequence of an error or a ground into double play, a player does not get an RBI. RBIs are most commonly seen as run-scoring hits. Players can also get RBIs when they strike out if the strike results in a run or runs (except, as noted above, in the case of double plays). However, if a batter gets an intentional walk, then no hit ball is played and therefore he cannot score any runs even if someone else makes a mistake; instead, he gets an automatic base on balls.
It is possible for a player to get an RBI despite having nothing to do with the decision to advance the runner. For example, a pitcher who allows a runner to reach first base because of an error will often be credited with an RBI because he caused the error that allowed the runner to reach. This occurs quite frequently with runners on third base: if the batter strikes out, the catcher may throw home to bring up the trailing runner, who will usually be able to advance upon reaching first base.
However, if the pitcher throws at the runner and causes him to miss, this would not result in an RBI because there was no error committed by the catcher. If this happens often enough, it could eventually lead to more runners on base than there are players in the field, which would be bad defense.
In most circumstances, a hitter is given an RBI when his plate appearance results in a run being scored. Players can, however, get an RBI for a bases-loaded walk or a hit by pitch. While these are considered important moments in the game, they do not result in runs being scored. Instead, the player who issued the base on ball receives credit for an automatic runner advanced 90 feet (if the batter reaches first base) or 60 feet (if he does not).
The actual rules state that an RBI "is earned by any player who comes to the plate with men on base and hits a ball into play." A walk-off home run, or one hit by a pitcher during a pinch-hit appearance both result in runs being scored and players receiving credit for RBIs. However, these events occur so rarely that many coaches and managers ignore them. Instead, they focus on how a player performs throughout at-bats, including walks and hits by pitch.
In conclusion, an RBI does not have to be either a single or during an inning of play. A player can receive credit for an RBI if he causes a base on balls event (i.e., a bases-clearing double or a hit by pitch) during his plate appearance. However, a walk-off home run or a pinch-hit appearance ends the inning and scores some runs.
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