What occurs when a pitcher steps off the plate and makes a legal feint to third base?

When a pitcher steps off the plate and makes a legal feint to third base, the key consideration is the interaction of the action with the rules governing base runners. In this scenario, if the pitcher makes a feint and the ball is thrown into dead-ball territory—such as a wild throw that goes beyond the field of play—runners are awarded two bases from their position at the time of the pitch. This provision in the rules ensures that runners are compensated for the pitcher's actions that lead to an unpredictable situation.

The correct option highlights the principle of protecting players by providing them an opportunity to advance safely when a throw misfires after a legitimate play attempt. During the situation described, it is important to note that simply stepping off and feinting does not itself penalize or limit the advancement of runners unless the conditions of the throw result in the ball becoming dead. Thus, if the throw goes into dead-ball territory, runners benefit by being allowed to advance two bases.