Circle of control and runners lead off

Question
The 2B runner had a large lead off after the pitch. The pitcher came back into the circle with the ball out of her glove and up by her head Ie., ready to throw to 2B. And continued to advance toward the runner. The base runner froze deciding weather to advance to 3B or return to 2B. The Umpire stopped the play and gave the runner a warning for not returning to 2B. Was this the right call or was the the play still live?

Thanks,
Dane

Answer
Hi Dane,

The LBR is not in effect when the pitcher has the ball in the circle and makes any act that in the umpires judgment causes the runner to react. This is considered making a play (ASA RS 34) Sounds like that was happening to me.  The play is still live.

Depending on how long this was going on we can let it play out or we can possibly kill it and get on w/ the game.  I don't see a warning (whatever that is) here.

mark