The Fastpitch Chronicle

Here are some more “You Make the Call” scenarios from the week.

On Saturday a coach forgot to write the number and name of a substitute player on the the lineup card handed into the plate ump during the pre-game conference. In the fourth inning the coach reported that substitute only to find out that substitute’s name and number were not on the card. The umpire said, “She can’t go in, she needs to be on this card. I handed it back to you and told you to look it over. You handed it back and said it was good to go.”  In the end it was agreed that the substitute could be added and the coach was given a warning.

Is that the correct ruling?

At the start of the game the DP sat out the first two innings as she was the DP for the Flex who was the pitcher. In the top of the third the coach inserted the DP into the game defensively behind the plate in the catcher position. In the bottom of the inning the DP singled to left and the coach called time out and sent a courtesy runner in for the DP.  There was then a discussion about a courtesy runner for the DP. It was ultimately ruled that because the DP had caught the top of the inning, the courtesy runner could be used.

Is that ruling correct?

With a runner at first base and one out the batter hits a liner sharply back at the pitcher. The pitcher raises her glove but deflects the ball toward the second sacker. The second sacker catches the ball before it hits the ground and tags the runner who was at first and had broken off the bag on the release of the pitch. On the tag, the second sacker dropped the ball and the runner continued on to second. The defensive team quickly threw the ball to first to double off the runner who had left before the ball struck the pitcher’s glove. The umpires ruled that the runner was safe at second and the game continued.

Correct ruling?