Runner’s Base Status Changes from Second to Third
The Braves hosted the Padres in the second game of a double header on May 20, 2024. In the top of the eighth, Pierce Johnson was on the mound for the Braves facing the Padres’ Jake Cronenworth with a 3-2 count. Luis Arráez was on second and Jurickson Profar was on first with two outs….
Different Situations Where a Pitcher Delivers a Pitch Following a Balk
Play Follows a Balk The Dodgers hosted the Cardinals on March 30, 2024. In the top of the seventh, the Cards had Matt Carpenter on third, Alec Burleson on second, and Brandon Crawford on first with one out when Victor Scott II flied to Teoscar Hernandez in left. But the out was nullified when Dodgers…
July 2023 Rules Question and Answer #2
Play No. 1 QUESTION: Look at this video from a minor league game and tell me why the outfielder did not get credit for a catch after he carried the ball several feet. Instead, the batter was credited with a home run? Click on the link below. ANSWER: This outfielder wasn’t credited with a catch…
“Balk/Walk” Rule Misinterpreted
The Blue Jays hosted the Mariners on April 30, 2023. In the bottom of the fourth, Whitt Merrifield was at bat with a 3-2 count and two outs facing Penn Murfee. Vlad Guerrero, the runner on first, took off with the pitch that was “Ball Four.” One of the umpires on plate ump Mark Carlson’s…
Five Questions about Balks Answered by Rich Marazzi
When a pitcher balks followed by a throw to a base or a pitch to the batter, or pitches a “Ball Four,” there are many questions that need to be answered. This creates a challenge for the players, coaching staff, manager, and broadcasters. Keep in mind, when a pitcher balks, the ball is not always…
Walk Off Balk!
The Reds were batting in the bottom of the tenth with the score tied 1-1 on July 8, 2022. Tyler Naquin was facing Matt Wisler with runners on first and third and one out when Edwin Moscoso called a balk on Wisler. Mark Kolozsvary, the runner on third, scored the winning run on the play….
