Man on 2nd, 2 outs (ball hit to the 3B)

This baseball situation is not the easiest to understand. In fact, I've seen many coaches not exactly understand this scenario when it comes to teaching the runner on 2nd how to react.

The runner takes off immediately at contact in a 2 out situation. He should have been getting a large two out secondary lead. If there were 2 strikes on the batter then he should have gotten an even bigger jump on the batted ball. But, even with that big jump he can't beat the ground ball hit directly at the 3B. So, he's off and running and now the 3B fields the ball and he is 10, 15, 20 ft. away from the 3B and he is moving full speed.

The runner should not slow down until the 3B fields the ball and makes him stop. Never assume the 3B will field the ball. You do not want your runner slowing down prior to the 3B fielding the ball cleanly. If he boots the ball you want to be able to score the runner. If he fields the ball cleanly the runner should slam on the breaks immediately and demand that the 3B throw the ball across the infield. Never let the 3B tag you out to end the inning- if at all possible.

Certainly if there is a force play at 3B then the 3B will simply go over and tag the bag, but in an unforced situation make him make the throw.