world cup final play
Question
Why was the Japan runner at 1st base called out as soon as the ball was back in the pitcher's circle? She was only a few feet from the base and was moving back to the base when she was called out. Since the ball was caught in the air from the batter does the runner have to tag up before the ball gets back to the circle? I don't think she did and I'm confused about the call.
Answer
Hi Jeff,
I've watched the replay about 20 times, sometimes in slo-mo and pause, advance, pause...
the rule is when the runner is off base and stationary and the pitcher has the ball in the circle the runner must immediately advance to the next base or return to the previous base.
There was a small "hesitation" of movement in my opinion but.....man was it close.... and the call probably did conform to the letter of the rule. But what a way to end a championship game.
BTW the call has nothing to do w/ the catch but rather the pitcher having the ball in the circle...just to make it clear.
Mark
Stepping into the box
Does the run score