Runner on first, bunt to the first-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage)

How the play works

In the pitcher-to-third coverage the pitcher breaks to the third-base line on every pitch, bunt or not, so the third baseman can stay home. The first baseman charges, the second baseman covers first and the shortstop covers second. A bunt toward first belongs to the charging first baseman, who throws where the catcher calls: "Two!" for the force, "One!" for the sure out.

Key questions

Who fields a bunt to the first-base side in the pitcher-to-third coverage with a runner on first?

The first baseman. He charges, attacks the bunt the instant the batter shows bunt, fields it with two hands and listens for the catcher's call.

Where does the throw go on a bunt to the first-base side in the pitcher-to-third coverage?

To second for the force on the lead runner, chest high to the inside of the bag. If the ball was bunted softly or the first baseman had to come a long way, he takes the sure out at first.

What does the pitcher do on a bunt to the first-base side in the pitcher-to-third coverage?

He breaks to the third-base line, as he does on every pitch, and owns everything from the mound down that line. The first baseman has this ball, so the pitcher gets back toward the mound and watches the lead runner.

Why does the third baseman stay home on a bunt to the first-base side in the pitcher-to-third coverage?

Because the pitcher has the line in front of him. He cheats in a step, protects the bag, fields only what is bunted hard at him and covers third in case the runner tries for it.

Who covers second and first on a bunt to the first-base side in the pitcher-to-third coverage?

The shortstop covers second and takes the force. The second baseman covers first, for the sure out or a backdoor throw if the batter-runner rounds too far.

When do you use the pitcher-to-third bunt coverage with a runner on first?

When your third baseman is your best glove, or when a slash is on. See pitcher-to-third coverage.

Every position's job

Every fielder has a job on this play, even when the ball never comes near him.

1. 1B

   First baseman

   Fields it and throws to second · Every first baseman play

   Attack the bunt the instant the batter shows bunt. Field it with two hands and listen for the catcher’s call, “Two!” or “One!” Throw to second for the force on the lead runner, chest high, to the inside of the bag. If the ball was bunted softly or you had to come a long way, take the sure out at first instead. After the throw, get off the base line, find the lead runner and be ready to cover a base if the play goes on.

2. SS

   Shortstop

   Covers second for the force · Every shortstop play

   Get to second and straddle the bag, facing the fielder, to give him a target. Take the throw and make the sure force out. Stretch to the ball, never off the bag. Then check the lead runner and get the ball to the pitcher.

3. 2B

   Second baseman

   Covers first · Every second baseman play

   Cover first as soon as the first baseman crashes or the bunt is down. Straddle the bag for a throw if the out is at first, and expect the backdoor throw if the batter-runner rounds too far. Stay on the bag until the ball is back to the pitcher, and make the tag if the throw comes. If the first baseman doesn’t crash, hold your position and keep the batter-runner from taking second.

4. C

   Catcher

   Calls the base · Every catcher play

   Field the bunt if it’s in front of the plate. Otherwise make the call, loud, early and once: point and call the base, “Two!” for the force or “One!” for the sure out. Then back up the throw, return to the plate and cover it, and watch the lead runner.

5. P

   Pitcher

   Breaks to the third-base line · Every pitcher play

   Break to the third-base line on every pitch, bunt or not. The third baseman is holding his bag, so everything on the left side of the field is yours. On a bunt to the first-base side the first baseman has it, so get back toward the mound and watch the lead runner.

6. 3B

   Third baseman

   Stays home on third · Every third baseman play

   Stay home: cheat in a step and protect the bag. The pitcher has the line in front of you, so field only what is bunted hard at you. Cover third in case the runner tries for it, and call for the ball if he has gone too far. Stay on third until the ball is dead.

7. CF

   Center fielder

   Backs up second · Every center fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up second. Line up behind second on the throwing line, 30 to 40 feet deep, and stop anything that gets through. Hold your spot until the ball is back in the infield, then return to your position.

8. RF

   Right fielder

   Backs up first · Every right fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up first. Line up behind first on the throwing line, 30 to 40 feet deep, and stop anything that gets through. Hold your spot until the ball is back in the infield, then return to your position.

9. LF

   Left fielder

   Backs up third · Every left fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up third. Line up behind third on the throwing line, 30 to 40 feet deep, and stop anything that gets through. Hold your spot until the ball is back in the infield, then return to your position.

Coaching points

1. This coverage only works if the break to the line happens on every pitch, bunt or not. A crafty bunter will push one back to the mound expecting the pitcher to be gone — the mound and the whole line are his.
2. A bunt defense is decided before the pitch: everyone knows who crashes, who covers and who calls. The ball only tells you which of the three fielders picks it up.
3. The force on the lead runner at second is the primary play. First base is the fallback: a ball bunted softly, or a fielder who has to come a long way, takes the sure out there.

Test yourself

Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.

1. Runner on first, bunt. What is the first look?

   1. A.The force at second
   2. B.Third base, ahead of the runner
   3. C.The runner, to look him back to first
   4. D.The sure out at first
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The force at second.

2. When do you use the Pitcher-to-3B coverage?

   1. A.Runner on third, to cover the plate against a squeeze
   2. B.Runner on second, to cut down the lead runner at third
   3. C.Runner on first, when 3B is your best glove or a fake-bunt swing is likely
   4. D.Nobody on, so both corners can stay back on the bag
   Show the answerHide the answer

   C. Runner on first, when 3B is your best glove or a fake-bunt swing is likely. Runner on first, when the third baseman is your best glove or you expect a slash.

3. Pitcher-to-3B coverage: who stays home and who takes the third-base line?

   1. A.The shortstop covers third; the third baseman crashes the line
   2. B.The pitcher stays on the mound; the third baseman crashes the line
   3. C.The third baseman stays home; the pitcher takes the line
   4. D.The third baseman stays home; the catcher takes the line
   Show the answerHide the answer

   C. The third baseman stays home; the pitcher takes the line. The third baseman stays home; the pitcher breaks to the third-base line on every pitch.

4. Sacrifice bunt coming, runner on first. Where do you pitch?

   1. A.Low and away to a righty; jam a lefty
   2. B.Curveballs in the dirt to everyone
   3. C.Down the middle so he can’t miss it
   4. D.Jam a righty up; low and away to a lefty
   Show the answerHide the answer

   B. Curveballs in the dirt to everyone. Jam a righty with a high strike; low and away to a lefty.

5. Hard bunt right at you, runner on first. Where’s the throw?

   1. A.Second, for the double play
   2. B.First — take the sure out
   3. C.Third, ahead of the runner
   4. D.Hold it — there’s no play
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. Second, for the double play. Second, for the double play — get it, quick leg under, throw.

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Bunt defense: every situation · The full situation library

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