The Braves hosted the Rockies on June 15th. In the top of the seventh, the Rockies had Jordan Beck on third and Tyler Freeman on first with one out. Hunter Goodman was at bat facing José Ruiz with a 1-2 count. Freeman made an early bluff to second base. This induced Ruiz to step back off the rubber. Being his third disengagement, he was called for a balk. Beck scored on the balk and Freeman was awarded second.

Ruleball Comments

• Pitchers need to be extra careful when making a third disengagement.
• I would assume different teams handle this situation in different ways.
• One thing is certain, someone, maybe the catcher should remind the pitcher of his number of disengagements.
  Freeman’s early move certainly put pressure on Ruiz.
• The Rockies won the game 10-1 so the balk did not affect the outcome of the game.

Rich Marazzi

Rules consultant/analyst: Angels, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, YES, and Chicago Sports Network