This happened over the weekend. I think this was debated a few years back (but then again what hasn't been?
), but I can't find it. USSSA game, but all rule interps are welcome.
Mary has been pitching for 3 innings. In the middle of the 4th, Sally comes out to the circle, picks up the ball, and throws a warm up pitch. Coach then tells Sally to go to right field and for Mary to throw the remaining warm ups. No substitution was ever reported/made. Any violation?
My partner said there is a slow pitch rule that would require Sally to pitch to at least one batter after throwing the warm up. I felt there was no fast pitch rule to support that interpretation, especially during the dead ball situation with no substitution made.
USSSA 6-1-L and Fed 6-2-5 mirror each other in addressing warm up pitches, but I don't feel either specifically indicate who is entitled to throw them. NCAA 10.19.3 is quite clear about a warning, then penalty (coach ejection) when this happens. But even they don't state that the non-pitcher who throws the warm up must now become the pitcher.
What do you think?