In baseball and softball, all nine fielders have defined responsibilities and need to move on every play.
Base hit to center field with a runner on first or runners on first and third, the play goes to third.
Play:
| Situation: | Runner on first or
Runners on first and third |
| Offense: | Base hit to center field |
| Defense: | Play goes to third base |
Player Responsibilities:
| Pitcher: | Back up third |
| Catcher: | Cover home |
| 1st base: | Check that the runner touches first base and cover first base |
| 2nd base: | Check that the runner touches second base and cover second base |
| 3rd base: | Covers third base and receive the throw from cutoff man (SS) or center fielder |
| Shortstop: | Moves into outfield to cutoff throw to third base |
| Left: | Back up center field |
| Center: | Fields the ball and throws to third base (or cutoff, if the ball is hit deep) |
| Right: | Back up center field and then back up second base should the batter attempt to advance to second |
| Note: | The throw to the cutoff man only if necessary, otherwise throw directly to third base |
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