The Brewers and Giants played at Oracle Park on May 5, 2023. In the top of the first, the Brewers had Owen Miller on third and Brian Anderson on first with two outs. Luke Voit was the batter facing Sean Manaea. Anderson took an extended lead prompting a pickoff throw from Manaea. This put Anderson in a rundown. He was subsequently called out 1-3-4-3.

Meanwhile, Miller, the runner on third, dashed home and crossed the plate before Anderson was tagged by Giants’ first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr.

This gave the Brewers a 2-0 lead in a game they would lose, 6-4.

Ruleball Comments

1. This is a great way to create an inning-ending Time Play.
2. Anderson was not forced to second on the play because the batter (Voit) never occupied first base to create the force. Because the inning did not end in a force out, nor was the batter-runner (Voit) retired before he reached first base, this was the perfect storm for the creation of a “Time Play.”
3. I have endorsed this play for a long time.
4. If you watch the video, you will see that the Giants’ infielders involved in the rundown, were oblivious to Miller’s actions on third. I’m sure that they did not know that a “Time Play” was in progress. Their concern was to retire Anderson.
5. Are your infielders coached to handle the first and third “Time Play” rundown situations?
6. Are your runners coached to induce a pickoff throw and create a long rundown which will allow the runner on third to score by running THROUGH THE PLATE?
7. From my experience, most infielders aren’t aware of the “Time Play” rule when executing a rundown. In my opinion, from an offensive standpoint, it’s a low risk play to steal a run.

Rich Marazzi

Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally Sports, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.