What should be called if a pitcher attempts to engage the plate after going to his mouth?

Prepare for the NFHS Cases Test with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Master each section to boost your confidence and ace the exam!

When a pitcher goes to their mouth and then attempts to engage the plate, a balk is called because the act of touching the mouth with their hand is considered a violation according to baseball rules. The rules state that a pitcher cannot engage the pitching motion with saliva or any foreign substance on their hand that could potentially affect the game, such as by making the ball more difficult to hit. The intent behind this rule is to maintain fairness and the integrity of the game. Therefore, the illegal action of going to the mouth while on the mound directly leads to a balk being called, which results in a penalty against the pitching team. This enforcement helps ensure that pitchers adhere to standards of conduct and behavior on the field.

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