Softball--pitching circle

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by Rita C

R3, batter draws a walk and continues on to second without stopping. Pitcher is
in the circle.

a.) R3 leaves the base as pitcher's attention is diverted to BR and heads home.

b.) R3 leaves the base to run home and then pitcher makes a feint toward second.

c.) R3 leaves the base to run home after pitcher makes feint toward second.

Your call in each scenario? High School or LL answers.

Rita

I don't see enough information in a to answer properly to be honest.

a) If the attention is diverted to the BR that would mean the BR has not yet touched 1st base, and in this case the LBR would not apply since the LBR does not apply until the BR touches first base. At that point the BR touches 1st base, then you have a runner. If R3 left after you have a runner going from 1st to second, while the pitcher has the ball in the circle then its dead ball, R3 out. If it happens while she is still a BR (hasn't touched first), there is nothing.

b) This is pretty clear cut. Dead ball, R3 is out since the pitcher has the ball in the circle and no play has been made.

c) Since the runner left after the feint was made to second, the runner is released and there is no call.