How is the 20-second count affected if F1 makes a legal feint?

When a pitcher, referred to as F1, makes a legal feint, the 20-second count is impacted in a specific way as outlined in the rules governing baseball. The correct interpretation is that the count resets completely in response to the legal feint. This means that any time a legal feint is made, the pitcher is granted a fresh start on the 20-second count that governs how long the pitcher has before delivering the pitch after receiving the ball.

The rationale behind this rule is to maintain fair play and ensure that the offensive team receives a reasonable opportunity to react to the pitcher's actions. The reset gives the pitcher the freedom to employ various strategies to unsettle the batter while also keeping the game flowing within the established time limits.

A count that continues without interruption does not account for the dynamics of the game, where pitcher actions can significantly affect the rhythm and readiness of the offensive team. Likewise, the count only resetting if the pitcher throws does not align with the rules either, as the feint itself warrants a reset, regardless of whether it leads to a pitch being thrown. Stopping the count until the next play would interrupt the flow of the game and create uncertainty around timing, counter to the intent of game regulations aimed at maintaining pace