Runner on first, bunt back to the pitcher (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 crafty bunter will push one back to the mound expecting the pitcher to be gone, but the mound is still his. He fields it and throws where the catcher calls.

Key questions

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

The pitcher. He breaks toward the third-base line on every pitch, but the mound and the whole line are his, so he attacks the bunt the instant it's down.

Where does the throw go on a bunt back to the pitcher 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 he had to come a long way, the pitcher takes the sure out at first.

Why does the pitcher break to the line on every pitch in the pitcher-to-third coverage with a runner on first?

Because the coverage only works if the break happens every time, bunt or not. A crafty bunter will push one back to the mound expecting the pitcher to be gone, and the mound is still his. See pitcher-to-third coverage.

Who covers second base on a bunt back to the pitcher in the pitcher-to-third coverage?

The shortstop. He straddles the bag facing the pitcher, takes the throw and makes the sure force out, stretching to the ball but never off the bag.

Who covers first base on a bunt back to the pitcher in the pitcher-to-third coverage?

The second baseman, as soon as the first baseman crashes or the bunt is down. The first baseman holds the runner and then charges, so the second baseman straddles first and expects the backdoor throw if the batter-runner rounds too far.

What does the third baseman do on a bunt back to the pitcher in the pitcher-to-third coverage?

He stays home. 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.

Every position's job

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

1. P

   Pitcher

   Fields it and throws to second · Every pitcher play

   Break to the third-base line on every pitch, bunt or not, but the mound is still yours: a crafty bunter will push one back expecting you to be gone. Attack the bunt the instant it’s down. 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. 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.

6. 1B

   First baseman

   Holds the runner, then charges · Every first baseman play

   Hold the runner on and leave as the pitch is released, then charge and take everything on the first-base side. The pitcher has this one, so get out of his way. Retreat to first if it’s open; the second baseman is there if you can’t get back.

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.The sure out at first
   3. C.Third base, ahead of the runner
   4. D.The runner, to look him back to 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 third baseman stays home; the pitcher takes the line
   2. B.The pitcher stays on the mound; the third baseman crashes the line
   3. C.The third baseman stays home; the catcher takes the line
   4. D.The shortstop covers third; the third baseman crashes the line
   Show the answerHide the answer

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

   B. Low and away to a righty; jam a lefty. 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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