Baseball strategy question?

Question

Ok so there's still certain things about baseball that I just don't understand (I grew up watching and playing football). One question I've had lately is: If there's a runner on 1st, and the batter bunts the ball and it goes right to the pitcher... why does the pitcher always throw to 1st to get the batter out? Wouldn't he want to throw it to 2nd to get the lead runner out so that no one is in scoring position? I've seen this happen like three times recently and I don't get it. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

the pitcher has been taught since day one  " if the opponent is going to give you the out take it" they will take a look at second if the bunt is to sharply hit. the runner on first gets signs just like everyone else. he knows the bunt is going to be attempted or the bunt and run sign could have been give. that has a lot to do with number of outs, count, and basic coaching strategy as well as speed of runner.

Answer 2

The runner usually knows the bunt is coming, so he's taking a big lead right after the pitch is throw. If it's a good bunt, and the runner on first is even relatively fast, the runner will get to second before the pitcher can throw it for an out at second. If it's a bad bunt, the pitcher/catcher WILL throw it to second and get the out at least half the time.

Answer 3

If the player going to second is close to the second base he might be a tough out for the pitcher to get.

They throw to first base because it's a sure out.

Answer 4

Because the runner on first probably has a pretty good jump and will beat the throw to second, and so the pitcher wants to get the out and just throw the ball to first

Answer 5

Pitchers are always tought to get the sure out..the sure out being at first.  Generally with things like that you've got a short stop or second baseman who have to break towards second base and there's a higher risk of the throw being bad and the ball going into center field and then you've probably got 2 runners in scoring position..not good.

Answer 6

usually the guy on first is stealing and its slower to get out of the box so you dont wanna take the chance and not get an out also if theres one out already then he just has to get the next batter

Answer 7

Either:

a. The runner is too fast and the pitcher can't get the runner out, so they throw to 1st

OR

b. They don't want to risk throwing the ball in the outfield, which could advance the runners further