Runners on 2B and 3B. Batter hits a comebacker to the mound. The runner on 3B breaks on contact and is caught in a rundown. The question is- should the batter attempt to get to 2B?
At the professional level, the batter is expected to try and get into scoring position. The runner at 3B is to stay in that rundown as long as possible so the batter can advance to 2B and recreate the exact situation that just occurred. However, I contend that at amateur levels of baseball it doesn't make any sense whatsoever to try and get to 2B. Here's why.
Consider this. If the runner at 3B went on contact the runner at 2B is not the tying run- or a very important run. Otherwise, the lead runner would be more cautious not to compromise the importance of the trail runner. So, the lead runner is a run of importance and the trail runner is an "extra" run. We want the lead runner to score!!
If the contact play is on and a comebacker is hit- the lead runner, breaking aggressively, will probably be caught in a rundown. That rundown will probably produce out number 2(again- contact basics). If the runner at 2B advances to 3B while the rundown is occurring where do we want the batter to stop?
I believe 1B is where he should stop. Here's why.
1) 1st and 3rd defenses are difficult to defend and maybe would actually be a better situation than a 2B and 3B scenario.
2) With the runner at 2B advancing to 3B, the rundown shouldn't take too long. We're actually giving the lead runner up for dead. If the rundown doesn't have the potential to last a long time why would you risk the the batter trying to get to 2B?
This is a very detailed baseball play but it is one that should be practiced if you want to understand gaining advantage on the offensive side.
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