How to Stop the Batter From Going to Second With a Runner on Third

Hitting the cutoff man is a crucial task for every baseball outfielder. The job takes on further importance when multiple runners are on the base paths. With a runner on third and threatening to score, it is important not only to make a play on that runner, but to also ensure that the hitter does not take second base. This play takes some concentration, a fake by the cutoff man and the proper throw from the outfielder.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball
  • Baseball glove
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Instructions

    • 1

      Field the ball in the outfield and immediately locate the cutoff man. The cutoff man should be in the infield and on a direct line between the outfielder and home plate.

    • 2

      Throw the ball as quickly as possible to the cutoff man. For left fielders, the cutoff man will be the third baseman. For center and right fielders, the cutoff man will be the first baseman.

    • 3
      The catcher must let the cutoff man know if a play can be made at home.

      Have the cutoff man positioned properly on the infield and ready to catch the relay throw. As the ball approaches the cutoff man, the catcher decides whether a play can be made at the plate. If it can, the catcher yells, "Let it go," informing the cutoff man to leave the ball alone. If the run will score, the catcher yells, "Cut it off," letting the cutoff man know to catch the ball so the batter doesn't advance to second base.

    • 4

      Have the cutoff man approach the incoming baseball whether he is catching it or not. He must sell the idea that he is catching the baseball either way. This keeps the hitter, who is now rounding first base, unsure as to whether the ball will be cut off or whether it will go all the way home. If he thinks it will be caught, he cannot freely advance to second.

    • 5

      Locate the runners as soon as the ball is caught in the infield. If the cutoff man catches it, he may have a chance to get either runner out. A weak throw from the outfield may need to be advanced to the plate by the cutoff man if a play can be made. The cutoff man may also catch the hitter too far from first base or headed to second base, giving him a chance to retire that runner.