DEFENSING THE “NOT SO COMMON” FIRST AND THIRD SITUATION PART III

Defensing the Pop Fly Hit Behind First Base with Runners ON First and Third Bases and Less than two outs.

Both runners tag up and the runner on first base breaks for second base after the catch.

This is one of the more difficult situations to defend because the second baseman must go after the pop fly. The second baseman would normally be the cut-off man in this situation, but the fact that he must pursue the pop fly alters the defensive alignment.

Option I : In this defense the shortstop is the cut-off man. The shortstop must assume the cut-off position and leave second base uncovered. If the shortstop does not go to the cut-off position, but covers second base, and the ball is thrown to him there… the runner on third base will score standing up.

• Pitcher : Covers first base.
• Catcher : Covers home plate.
• First Baseman : Goes after the pop fly. If he makes the catch, he throws the ball to the shortstop in the cut-off position. If the runner on third base does not break for home plate after the catch…the first baseman returns to first base for possible rundown.
• Second Baseman : Goes after the pop fly. If he makes the catch, he throws the ball to the shortstop in the cut-off position if the runner on third base does not break for home plate after the catch.
• Third Baseman : Covers third base yells – home! home! or four! four! If the runner on third base breaks for home plate after the catch.
• Shortstop : Assumes a position halfway between first and second base and in line with the fielder making the catch and second base.
• Right Fielder : Goes after the pop fly ball. He has priority over the first baseman and second baseman.
• Centerfielder : Covers second base.
• Left Fielder : Backs up third base.

Option II : In this defense the pitcher is the cut-off man.

• Pitcher :
  • Runs to a position halfway between the mound and first base.
  • Prepares to receive throw from fielder making the catch.
  • Receives the throw, checks the runner at third base.
  • If runner breaks for home or has too big a lead, throw him out or run at him
• First Baseman : Goes after the pop fly ball. If he makes the catch, he throws the ball to the pitcher…if runner on third base does not break for home plate after the catch.
• Second Baseman : Goes after the pop fly ball. If he makes the catch, he throws the ball to the pitcher…if runner on third base does not break for home plate after the catch.
• Shortstop : Covers second base.
• Third Baseman : Covers third base and yells — home! home! Or four! four! If runner on third base breaks for home plate after the catch.
• Left Fielder : Backs up third base.
• Centerfielder : Backs up second base.
• Right Fielder :
  • Goes after the pop fly ball and attempts to make the catch…has priority over second baseman and first baseman.
  • Throws the ball to the pitcher if he makes the catch and the runner on third base does not break for home plate after the catch.

Option III : Make no play at all ! If the runner on third base is the winning run and the game is in the late innings – Make No Play on the Runner on first base breaking for second base. This is an extremely difficult play to defend and the offense has an excellent chance of scoring the winning run. The winning run is already on base and the runner going to second base means nothing so don’t play on him.

No throw may be the best option late in the game, particularly, if there are two outs after the catch is made.

Run the Ball Back into the Infield :

If the runner on third base does not tag up and break for home plate after the catch, run the ball back into the infield and challenge the runner at third base. This will drive him back to the base.

Stop and make a full arm fake toward the base runner on first base breaking toward second base. This may dupe the runner at third base into breaking for home plate and result in an easy put out.

If this ploy does not work, there will be runners on second and third base. Pitch to the next batter if he is a weak hitter and there are two outs. If he is a strong hitter – walk him – this gives the defense a force out at every base or a chance for a double play if there are less than two outs.

Defensing the Pop Fly Ball Behind Third Base with Runners on first and Third Bases and Less than Two Outs .

Both runners tag up and the runner on first base breaks for second base after the catch.

• Pitcher :
  • Is the cut-off man and key to the defense.
  • Breaks to a position between the mound and close to third base.
  • Receives the throw from the fielder making the catch.
  • Checks the runner at third base if he fails to break for home plate and if the runner on first base is breaking for second base throws the ball to second base.
• Catcher : Covers home plate.
• First Baseman : Covers first base and is alert for possible run down – yell if runner breaks for second base.
• Second Baseman : Covers second base.
• Third Baseman :
  • Goes for the pop fly ball.
  • Throws to pitcher if he makes the catch and the runner on third base does not break for home plate.
  • Hustles to cover third base if he does not make the catch, or after he does and makes his throw.
• Shortstop :
  • Has priority over third baseman.
  • Goes for the pop fly ball.
  • Throws to the pitcher if he makes the catch and the runner on third base does not break for home plate.
• Left Fielder :
  • Has priority over both third baseman and shortstop.
  • Goes for the pop fly.
  • Throws to pitcher if he makes the catch and the runner on third base does not break for home plate…then backs up third base.
• Centerfielder : Backs up second base.
• Right Fielder : Backs up first base.

Good Luck!