Runners on first and second, bunt back to the pitcher

How the play works

A bunt back to the pitcher dies in front of the mound, and with runners on first and second his first look is third. He fields it and throws to the third baseman, who has stayed home, for the force on the lead runner. The second baseman covers first for the fallback, the shortstop covers second and all three outfielders come in to back up.

Key questions

Who fields a bunt back to the pitcher with runners on first and second?

The pitcher. He attacks it the instant it is down, fields it with two hands and listens for the catcher's call: "Three!" or "One!"

Where does the throw go on a bunt back to the pitcher with runners on first and second?

To third, for the force on the lead runner. If the ball was bunted softly or he had to come a long way, he takes the sure out at first instead.

Who covers third base on a bunt back to the pitcher with runners on first and second?

The third baseman. In the Standard bunt defense with a runner on second he stays home, straddles the bag facing the pitcher and stretches to the throw without coming off the bag.

What does the first baseman do on a bunt back to the pitcher with runners on first and second?

He charges hard and fields anything on his side of the mound. If the pitcher has it, he gets out of the way, then retreats to first if it is open; the second baseman is there if he can't get back.

Who backs up second base on a bunt back to the pitcher with runners on first and second?

The center fielder. He comes straight in behind second when the batter shows bunt. If the ball goes across to first, he breaks toward left field to back up a backdoor throw from first to second.

Is there a force at third on a bunt back to the pitcher with runners on first and second?

Yes. The runner from second is forced at third, and that force on the lead runner is the first look on every bunt with runners on first and second.

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, throws to third · Every pitcher play

   Attack the bunt the instant it’s down. Field it with two hands and listen for the catcher’s call: “Three!” or “One!” Throw to third 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 baseline, find the lead runner and be ready to cover a base if the play goes on.

2. 3B

   Third baseman

   Stays home, takes the force · Every third baseman play

   Stay home: get to third and straddle the bag, facing the fielder, and give him a target. Take the throw and make the sure force out, stretching to the ball, never off the bag. Then check the lead runner and get the ball to the pitcher.

3. C

   Catcher

   Makes the call · Every catcher play

   Field the bunt if it’s in front of the plate. Otherwise make the call, loud, early and once: point to third and call “Three!”, or “One!” when the out is at first. Then back up the throw, return to the plate and cover it, and watch the lead runner.

4. 1B

   First baseman

   Charges the right side · Every first baseman play

   Charge hard and field anything on your side of the mound. If you field it, throw to third. If it isn’t yours, get out of the fielder’s way. Then retreat to first if it’s open; the second baseman is there if you can’t get back.

5. 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 the throw. If the batter-runner rounds too far, expect the backdoor throw and make the tag. Stay on the bag until the ball is back to the pitcher. If the first baseman doesn’t crash, hold your position and keep the batter-runner from taking second.

6. SS

   Shortstop

   Covers second · Every shortstop play

   Get to second and straddle the bag. Cover it for a redirected throw and keep any runner from taking second for free. Stay on the bag until the ball is dead.

7. LF

   Left fielder

   Backs up third · Every left fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt, with the corners, and come in to back up third. Line up behind the bag 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. CF

   Center fielder

   Reads the play behind second · Every center fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come straight in behind second, reading the play in front of you. If anything is thrown to second, you’re the backup. The moment the ball goes across the diamond to first, break toward left field: now you’re backing up the throw from first to second on a backdoor play. Hold your spot until the ball is dead, then jog back out.

9. RF

   Right fielder

   Backs up first · Every right fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt, with the corners, and come in to back up first. Line up behind the bag 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. With runners on first and second the lead runner is forced at third — that is the first look on every bunt. The play goes to first only when the ball is bunted softly or the fielder has to come a long way.
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. With a runner on second the pitcher owns the left side and the first baseman the right. The third baseman stays home — the force on the lead runner is at his bag.

Test yourself

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

1. Runners on first and second, bunt. What is the first look?

   1. A.The force at third
   2. B.Looking the lead runner back to second
   3. C.The sure out at first
   4. D.The force at second
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The force at third.

2. Runner on second (alone or with first): who owns which side of the infield on a bunt?

   1. A.Third baseman the left, first baseman the right; pitcher the middle
   2. B.Catcher everything in front; both corners crash
   3. C.Pitcher the left side, first baseman the right; third baseman stays home
   4. D.Pitcher the right side, third baseman the left; first baseman stays home
   Show the answerHide the answer

   B. Catcher everything in front; both corners crash. The pitcher owns the left side, the first baseman the right. The third baseman stays home.

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Bunt defense: every situation · The full situation library

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