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Post by Admin on Dec 16, 2012 18:48:25 GMT -5
My team keeps getting burned by a batter getting a walk then running to second. I understand that she is out if she doesn't go to 2nd after taking the turn at first. But if they have a runner at 3rd and you defend against the runner going from 1st to 2nd, it seems you will always give up a run to the runner on 3rd to get that out. What would be the proper defensive play for this?
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Post by Admin on Dec 16, 2012 18:49:00 GMT -5
My first suggestion would be to try to throw the ball down to the first baseman as soon as the runner walks. The ball will get there before the runner does, and hopefully this will either stop the runner from trying to advance or it will make it an easy tag out. This rule came into play when I was a little older and with higher skill levels, runners barely try to take second. That being said, I've never really used the technique of throwing the ball to the first baseman, but I've seen other teams do this. Try it out!
If that doesn't work, I personally would treat it as a first & third-type situation. I would throw the ball to the shortstop who is standing about 3/4 of the way to second base. If the runner tries to go, the shortstop can just run her back to first base while ALSO watching the runner on third. If the runner breaks for home, throw home. If not, both runners are secure on first and third. This does take practice and help from teammates to communicate what the runners are doing. It's also important to have accurate throws here.
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