Got this question from reader Garret. It’s been too many years since I’ve played the Master Game:
I have master game rules question …The rules say with a runner at first, the pitcher can pitch from a stretch and prevent a steal of home…
Does his grade decrease? Is there any negative effect to his pitching or the teams fielding?
I’m opening this up to readers. When I get home, I might dig out my Master Game boards and find the answer. If memory serves, fielding is not affected. There is a pitching grade adjustment but I can’t remember how much.
Can anyone help?
The rules concerning pitching from the stretch are:
“The defense may choose to prevent an attempted steal of home with a Runner in Third, Runners on Second and Third or Bases Full (never with Runners on First and Third) by stating that the pitcher will pitch from a stretch instead of a wind-up. When he does, HIS GRADE, whatever it may be after all other adjustments, IS REDUCED BY TWO POINTS for as long as he pitches from a stretch in these three base situations. When he stretches, the runner on third may not attempt a steal of home.” (emphasis added)
Note that with runners on first and third, the defense cannot prevent an attempted steal of home by pitching from the stretch. BUT in that base situation, any attempted steal of home must be as a part of a double steal attempt. The defense may choose to not throw for the runner at second, in which case the runner on third must hold.