A fast pitch is an unlawful pitch with no runners on base, whereas a balk is an illegal pitch with runners on base. A rapid pitch with no runners on base results in a ball to the hitter. A balk is the penalty when runners are on base. It's a "no pitch," which means it's neither a strike nor a ball, according to the regulation. If the hitter hits the ball after a balk is called and gets a base hit, the play is considered as if the balk was never called at all. Unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, the ball is dead, and the play continues without regard to the balk. If the hitter hits the ball after a balk is called and gets a base hit, the play is considered as if the balk was never called at all. Unfortunately, very few umpires are aware of this and instead declare it a "no play" or "do over." The batsman did get a base hit. A fast pitch is an unlawful pitch with no runners on base, whereas a balk is an illegal pitch with runners on base. A rapid pitch with no runners on base results in a ball to the hitter. A balk is the penalty when runners are on base.