Pickle

A pickle (also called a rundown or hot box) occurs when a baserunner gets trapped between two bases with fielders on both ends ready to tag them out. The runner is chased back and forth until they're either tagged out or miraculously escape.

How Runners Get Caught in a Pickle

Common ways to end up in a pickle:

• Getting caught leaning on a pickoff throw
• Rounding a base too aggressively
• A ball hit to the infield with nowhere to go
• Miscommunication with another baserunner
• Getting caught in a double steal gone wrong

The Defensive Strategy

Properly executing a rundown:

1. Run at the runner to force them to commit
2. Hold the ball up high so teammates can see it
3. Throw early before reaching the runner
4. Create a throwing lane (get out of the way after throwing)
5. Minimize throws to reduce error chances
6. Always throw to the front side of the fielder

How Runners Escape

Savvy baserunners might escape by:

• Drawing extra throws (more throws = more chances for errors)
• Juking and stopping suddenly
• Colliding with the ball when thrown (interference aside)
• Running over a fielder without the ball
• Waiting for a high throw and sliding under

The Golden Rule

In a rundown, the defense should get the runner out in 2-3 throws maximum. Any more than that, and you're giving the runner a chance to escape, or allowing other runners to advance.