⚾ Situation
You are the first baseman. There are runners on 1st and 3rd with 0 outs.
Early in the game, score is tied. A ground ball is hit to you.
What do you do?
✔ Answer
Look the runner back to 3rd, then throw to 2nd (SS covers). Don't try to get the runner at home — if you throw to 3rd and miss, you've still left a runner in scoring position on 2nd.
Throwing to 2nd starts the force play and keeps the runner at 3rd honest.
💡 Decision Tips
- 0 outs, early & tied = don't gamble on the run at home
- Quick glance at R3 — if he's bluffing, he'll freeze
- If R3 actually breaks for home, throw home instead
- SS should be covering 2nd on any ball hit to the right side
- Throwing to 3rd risks leaving R1 in scoring position at 2nd
ALSO SEE: 1st-14 (R on 1st & 3rd, 1 out) · 1st-15 (R on 1st & 3rd, 2 outs)