diff --git a/src/main.lua b/src/main.lua
index f6d30cf..874a27d 100644
--- a/src/main.lua
+++ b/src/main.lua
@@ -262,10 +262,13 @@ function Game:pitch(pitchFlyTimeMs, pitchTypeIndex)
     pitchTracker.secondsSinceLastPitch = 0
 end
 
+function Game:pitcherIsOnTheMound()
+    return utils.distanceBetweenPoints(self.fielding.fielders.pitcher, C.PitcherStartPos) < C.BaseHitbox
+end
+
 function Game:pitcherIsReady()
     local pitcher = self.fielding.fielders.pitcher
-    local pitcherIsOnTheMound = utils.distanceBetweenPoints(pitcher, C.PitcherStartPos) < C.BaseHitbox
-    return pitcherIsOnTheMound
+    return self:pitcherIsOnTheMound()
         and (
             self.state.ball.heldBy == pitcher
             or utils.distanceBetweenPoints(pitcher, self.state.ball) < C.BallCatchHitbox
@@ -473,9 +476,18 @@ function Game:updateNonBatterRunners(appliedSpeed, forcedOnly)
 end
 
 function Game:returnToPitcher()
-    self.fielding:resetEligibility()
-    self.fielding.fielders.pitcher.catchEligible = true
-    self.state.ball:launch(C.PitchStart.x, C.PitchStart.y, playdate.easingFunctions.linear, nil, true)
+    self.fielding:resetFielderPositions()
+    actionQueue:upsert("returnToPitcher", 60 * 1000, function()
+        while not self:pitcherIsOnTheMound() do
+            coroutine.yield()
+        end
+        if not self.baserunning.batter then
+            self.baserunning:pushNewBatter()
+        end
+        self.fielding:resetEligibility()
+        self.fielding.fielders.pitcher.catchEligible = true
+        self.state.ball:launch(C.PitchStart.x, C.PitchStart.y, playdate.easingFunctions.linear, nil, true)
+    end)
 end
 
 ---@param throwFly number
@@ -573,9 +585,7 @@ function Game:updateGameState()
     elseif self.state.offenseState == C.Offense.homeRun then
         self:updateNonBatterRunners(C.WalkedRunnerSpeed * 2, false)
         if #self.baserunning.runners == 0 then
-            self.baserunning:pushNewBatter()
             -- Give the player a moment to enjoy their home run.
-            self.fielding:resetFielderPositions()
             playdate.timer.new(1500, function()
                 self:returnToPitcher()
             end)