With R2 on second and B2 bunts to the first baseman, the first baseman fields the ball a few steps in fair ground in front of first base. B2 stops his advance and retreats toward home. B2 does not leave the base path nor does he touch or go beyond home plate. The first baseman throws to third base, but R2 is safe. The return throw to first is after B2 has touched first base. What is the call on B2?

• A. B2 is declared out.
• B. B2 is safe.
• C. R2 must return to second base.
• D. A and C.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is baserunning status on a play at first base and how staying on the base path affects outs. If a runner has touched a base and then retreats toward home without leaving the base path, he remains protected on that base. In this scenario, B2 does not leave the base path and does touch first base. The return throw to first comes after that touch, so B2 cannot be retired for not advancing or for a later tag at first. The defense’s throw to third is aimed at R2 and has no effect on B2’s status at first. Therefore, B2 is safe.