Advantage of the Tandem Relay Scheme

Last summer I sat in the radiating sun during one of my many scouting opportunities and witnessed one of the most unfortunate endings to a tournament game I can recall.

The visiting team came to bat in the top half of the seventh inning trailing 3-0 and began the typical act of cheering vigorously hoping for a memorable comeback. The inning began ominously with a lead-off walk. It was followed with a ground out to second that advanced the runner, and some of the manufactured momentum began to wane. However, a strangely hit pop-up with significant spin softly landed just beyond the reach of the pitcher and in front of the diving shortstop. The hitter was safe and runners were now standing at first and second.

I am sure the home team and their coach were beginning to get anxious as the potential tying run approached the batter's box while young ladies, with enthusiasm suddenly recharged, yelled for another hit. Some calmness may have come though as they realized it was the "seven-hole" hitter at the plate, and the force was still in place around the infield with one out. What happened next though was beyond imagination, and could have easily been prevented.

A well-hit line drive sailed to left center, with both outfielders converging quickly. The cautious base runners headed back to their respective bases looking to tag and possibly advance. The ball was at one moment caught