Not a "trick" even though some will call it a "trick play"...simply faking the bunt, or maybe he intended to bunt but didn't like the pitch, and the runner watching for the defensive mistake to steal 3rd. ...defensive breakdown or miscommunication, by/between the SS, 3B, or coaching staff. Don't know what they've been taught, it could even have been the SS, 3B only fields if it's too strong for the P, but P fields it first. Someone just didn't do what he was supposed or was taught, defensively. This basic bunt coverage is/should be part of BP and/or I/O, even at this level. Love great defensive play, but I also love hitters putting that pressure on fielders.
Poor coaching. The short stop should know what to do in a bunt situation. If the short stop was just being lazy, he should be taken out of the game. Either way, it falls on the coach.
The other side of the coin is the trick being pulled by the defense: with the pitch, the third baseman charges the plate yelling “BUNT!” But the pitcher throws a pitchout. The catcher then throws to third base to either the left fielder or shortstop covering. I’ve seen this work, have also seen the runner not take the bait, but the catcher threw down to second and pick the runner off because he’s watching all the commotion around third base.
This “trick” relies on a lazy or low baseball IQ shortstop. Could be bad coaching too! It’s a smart play on the batting team coach to notice the opponent was weak in this area. Hopefully the team learns from this play and prevents this in the future.
It's not a trick; it's smart base-running. There were plenty of times I squared-up to bunt and the pitch was a ball; so I pulled back. In this case, the batter accepted a strike.
It’s a trick. They are attempting to TRICK the third baseman into fielding a ground ball, instead of covering the bag. If you’re plan is to trick a certain player, it’s a trick play.
hard to tell the age or how fast the ball is being thrown here but the player seems kinda slow getting his hand' back. also hard to tell the location of the pitch but it seems inside and he hits it to second. that's an indicator that the swing is late.
