pitch

[topper]

Steve - I read 10.18 as limiting the time the pitcher has to bring her hands together, not preventing her from already having them together. For me, it wouldn't constitute a violation of the timing sequence.

The pitcher in your ESPN3 game having her hands together for more than 5 seconds prior to the batter stepping in has no bearing since, by rule, this part of the timing doesn't begin until they're both in position.

Obviously I'm not the Rules Interpreter and must use her interpretation once it's official. I just don't see the rule, as written, supporting that interpretation.