I need some help.My pitcher is at the stretch. Runner at second with a lead. Pitcher properly swings his free foot past the rubber in an attempt to pick off the runner at 2d because the runner has a big lead.(Often called the "inside pickoff move") As he swings the foot past the rubber, the runner takes off to third. Here's the question: Does the pitcher have to actually step (plant his foot) toward second with that free foot he is swinging toward second base before he then disengages and runs at the runner trying to steal..OR...can he interrupt his swinging the free foot past the rubber and run at the runner without actually first stepping toward second base?
Rule 8.05 is confusing. The ump last night called a balk because the pitcher interrupted his move toward second and didnt actually plant the foot toward second before he then ran at the runner and caught him
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