How does the pitch clock work in international baseball?
I · Intermediate · Pitching and game management · 7 of 9With no runners on base, the pitcher has 20 seconds to start the pitch once they have the ball on the mound. If they run over, a ball is called. The batter must be in the box within 10 seconds and keep one foot in it between pitches, or a strike is called. The clock does not run with runners on base.
How it works
- Twenty seconds: "The pitch clock will be set at twenty seconds."
- Only with the bases empty: it is in effect "ONLY with NO runners on base", for the whole game.
- When it starts: when the pitcher receives the ball on the mound area.
- The batter: has 10 seconds to enter the batter's box.
- Pitcher's violation: a ball.
- Batter's violation: a strike.
- One foot in: the batter must keep one foot in the box between pitches, with listed exceptions such as after a swing or a foul.
- Stepping off: a pitcher stepping off the rubber does not stop the clock.
- Mound visits: 30 seconds, from the coach crossing the foul line.
- Pitching changes: 120 seconds, from the new pitcher reaching the warning track.
- Between innings: 120 seconds, from the third out.
- Those clocks: a ball to the batter if the defence is late, a strike if the offence is.
The glossary has the pitch clock, the batter's box rule, the ball, the strike, the pitcher and the batter.
Tricky cases
A runner is on first. Is the pitcher on the 20-second clock?
No. The pitch clock applies only with no runners on base.
The clock reaches zero with the batter still outside the box. What is called?
A strike on the batter.
The pitcher steps off the rubber with eight seconds left to gather themselves. Does the clock reset?
No. Stepping off does not stop the clock unless the umpire grants time.
A coach takes 40 seconds over a mound visit. What happens?
A ball is awarded to the batter at the plate, and the pitch clock is then started for the next pitch.
Why the rule exists
The rule book states the aim: "to maintain a reasonable pace of game". Baseball has no game clock, so its length depends on how long players take between pitches. Paying for delay in balls and strikes, the game's own currency, gets attention without stopping play for a lecture.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bases empty | 20-second pitch clock | WBSC Baseball Rule 13.5; Appendix 3, C1 |
| Runners on base | No pitch clock | WBSC Baseball Rule 13.5.3 |
| Under 12 World Cup | Pitching change and inning clocks of 90 seconds | WBSC Baseball Appendix 3, C3; C4 |
| Televised games | Break lengths may be adjusted | WBSC Baseball Appendix 3, C3; C4 |
From the rule book
World Baseball Softball Confederation, Official Rules of Baseball (2025-2026 edition), Rules 9.5, 13.4 and 13.5, and Appendix 3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WBSC Official Rules of Baseball 2025-2026 (PDF).