Bunting with Bases loaded and less than two outs

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Nov 3, 2012
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Our travel coach has made the call to "bunt with the bases loaded with zero or one outs" a few times in a couple recent tournaments. I know this is a little unorthodox, but it could be a tactic to surprise the defense. But it hasn't worked out that well for us. It just seems like it can take your team out of a potential big inning. Also with the bunt, the infielders just have to flip it home and you got an easy force. Also, its more likely the infielders are playing in with bases loaded, which makes the play easier for them.


I know game circumstances like the score and the skills of the batter could affect the decision, but one time we had a power hitter up. Just didn't make sense to me. Just curious if any other teams sometimes employ this tactic.
 
Jan 14, 2015
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I doubt this will be too effective against 14U and above. Only time it could work at these levels is if they see the 3B not being too swift or quick, and if 3B is playing back even with bag a good bunter can effectively push one down the 3B line for an easy hit. But at 14u and above you'd have to assess the team in earlier innings to see if this is something you could pull off.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I never bunt with bases loaded, but a squeeze absolutely. If the runner at third can to the plate in time to avoid a tag they will probably avoid a force. We have even done it playing college teams and caught them sleeping. Like one of those college coaches said "Who the hell does a squeeze with bases loaded?" I went down this road after a story Dot Richardson told me when she was at the plate with 2 outs, 3-2 count, and bases loaded vs Japan. She stared at a change up right down the pipe because nobody throws a changeup with 2 outs, a 3-2 count, and bases loaded! :)
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
From an analytics standpoint you are never better off bunting at anytime. Since bunting is obviously a part of the game certain situations are less painful than others. Bases loaded is not a situation you should bunt from.

As others have pointed out there are some exceptions. This is why you can't just coach by the numbers.

Also, if the IF is playing in the advantage is to the hitter. Why are you bunting? Take what the defense gives you.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
Is the sixth inning of a 1-1 game? did she walk the bases loaded were there two errors that caused the runner to be on? Is hitter at the plate in a slump?

I don't know there are too many variable, in general...NO; squeeze maybe; bunting is a lost art. Assuming it is not a squeeze will the hitter wait for a strike, not bunt a high pitch, look to see which fielder is playing deeper maybe one is slower, does pitcher lean to one side on follow through, can you slap/poke it over if fielders are moving to soon tons of little things matter but nobody really pays attention much any more.
 
Nov 3, 2012
480
16
I like the squeeze play, and maybe like you said it could be even more of a surprise with the bases loaded. I hope our coach was trying to squeeze, and maybe our girls showed the bunt a little early as the 3rd baseman was all over it the 3x we tried it.

But, to defend the squeeze with the bases loaded is a lot easier with the force out. The catcher can extend like a first baseman and just have to keep the foot on the base to get the out. Without the force, the catcher has to catch the ball then execute the tag with the runner on top of her and trying to avoid the tag. Much more difficult to do. Also without the force, the runner can read the ball and doesn't have to commit on a bad bunt, and has the option to take off and score after the infielder throws to first.
 
Nov 3, 2012
480
16
Is the sixth inning of a 1-1 game? did she walk the bases loaded were there two errors that caused the runner to be on? Is hitter at the plate in a slump?

I don't know there are too many variable, in general...NO; squeeze maybe; bunting is a lost art. Assuming it is not a squeeze will the hitter wait for a strike, not bunt a high pitch, look to see which fielder is playing deeper maybe one is slower, does pitcher lean to one side on follow through, can you slap/poke it over if fielders are moving to soon tons of little things matter but nobody really pays attention much any more.

We did this multiple times. One time, we were down by one run late in the game, so that makes a little more sense. Maybe at least tie the game up and at extend the game. The other two times we had a four run lead. That makes less sense, and one of the girls at bat was a .400 hitter and tripled in her prior at bat. I say lets put this team away and lock it up with a big inning.
 

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