Anyone a rules expert?

Watching spring training, sometimes my mind wanders.
What happens if:
-the bases are loaded
-one out
-a left handed batter has a 3-1 count
-the runner on third takes off in an apparent steal of home.
-the pitcher sees the runner and throws to the catcher one foot off the plate on the third base side.
-the catcher tags the runner before he touches home.

Is it a caught stealing and the batter is still up with a 3-1 count?
Is it ball four, the batter walks and the runner scores?
What determines if the pitcher's throw to the catcher was a pitch?

Great question! I wonder if the umpire's interpretation of the pitcher's intent would enter into it.

Pretty sure if the pitcher doesn't ball then it would be ball four

(sorry, the above should have said "BALK", not ball)

Fred, what do you mean by "if the pitcher doesn't ball"?

It looks like it depends on if the pitcher disengages the rubber. If he does, it's a pickoff. If he doesn't, it's either a ball or a balk, depending on if he followed all normal pitching procedures like coming set.

https://umpire-empire.com/topic/74854-r ... ling-home/

Ok. Thanks Max. I have no insight on the substance of this thread. But I lookout for clarity.

It looks like it depends on if the pitcher disengages the rubber. If he does, it's a pickoff. If he doesn't, it's either a ball or a balk, depending on if he followed all normal pitching procedures like coming set.

https://umpire-empire.com/topic/74854-r ... ling-home/

With Joe West behind the plate, it's a 3-2 count with 2 outs, and 2 runners on.

If the pitcher stepped off the rubber, it's NOT a ball. If he didn't and just delivered the ball home, then it would be ball four and the runner should be safe actually since he was forced home by the walk which occurred prior to the out.

sorry, another reason I hate using smart phones

I meant to say, "if the pitcher doesnt BALK", then it doesnt matter what the runner or catcher does, etc, it would constitute a "pitch" and then be a ball, sending the batter to 1st and the runner on 3rd scores regardless of the tag by catcher, as he is "awarded" the next base due to bases loaded walk

that's my take, could be wrong, but from everything I know, that seems to be the answer