Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/18/2008

Question
I am seeking clarification regarding defensive strategies when an opposing runner is caught in a rundown, i.e. "pickle".  I coach in a coach-pitch league for 7-8 year olds.  Our league limits any base runner, including the hitter, to only take a maximum of 2 bases on any batted ball.  Assuming that there is a runner on first base and the batter hits a ball to left field, runner from first advances to second and intends to go to third.  The ball is thrown to third base and beats the runner.  At that point, the runner turns around and returns to second base.  The batter has already advanced to and is standing on second base.  Can the base runner who is advancing to third return to second base if the batter vacates second base and returns to first?

Answer
Brant,

If the base runner decides to vacate 2nd and return to first, then the runner who was in a rundown can go back to 2nd.  However, in most cases it makes the most sense for all other runners to advance as far as possible while a runner is in a run down.  

Hope this helps!

Flash