Why was Florida softball's Katie Kistler called out vs Baylor? NCAA base running rules, explained
A base-running mistake by Katie Kistler cost Florida softball a chance at a big inning in the win-or-go-home Game 3 vs. Baylor on Sunday in the Gainesville Super Regional
With the bases loaded and Ava Brown at the plate facing a 3-0 count, Baylor pitcher Aliyah Binford appeared to walk Brown on a fourth pitch. However, the Bears challenged the call — specifically if Kistler had left second base before the pitch, which is prohibited in college softball.
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Following the review, Kistler was called out at second base, Brown was sent back to bat, and the runners remained on the corners with one out and a 3-0 count to Brown. Brown did walk on the next pitch but without a run.
The next hitter, Mia Williams, hit a line drive shot straight back to the pitcher, who caught it and fired to first to double off Brown and end the frame. With the bases loaded and zero outs, the Gators could not pad their 4-0 lead with a potential big inning.
The Bears scored a run in the top of the fourth inning to cut the lead to three, before a two-run fifth-inning home run from Emily Hott cut Florida's lead to 4-3.
Florida is seeking its 12th trip to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It remains to be seen whether Kistler's base-running error will keep the Gators from reaching OKC. Here's what to know of the rule that cost Florida a run and, potentially, a big inning.
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What is the NCAA rule on leaving base early?
According to Rule 12.14.2 in the NCAA rulebook:
"A base runner may not leave the base they attained until the pitcher releases the pitch to the batter. A base runner must be in contact with their base at the time a pitch leaves the pitcher’s hand. Exception: When the pitcher (1) does not allow sufficient time for a base runner to return to a base or (2) delays their release in order to deceive the runner into leaving early, the base runner shall not be called out for being off the base before the pitcher releases the pitch."
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Why was Florida softball's Katie Kistler called out vs Baylor? Explaining rule
