When a pitching change occurs in the third inning and there is no commercial break, how many warm-up pitches is the relief pitcher allowed?

In NCAA softball, when a pitching change occurs, the relief pitcher is allowed to throw a specific number of warm-up pitches depending on the inning and circumstances of the game. In the scenario described, since the change occurs in the third inning and there is no commercial break, the relief pitcher is permitted to throw an unlimited number of warm-up pitches. This rule is designed to ensure that the new pitcher is adequately warmed up and can perform at their best, especially as the game progresses and players become more fatigued. It is particularly important in the middle innings when maintaining pitching effectiveness can greatly influence the game's outcome. Therefore, the correct understanding reflects the flexibility given to ensure the pitcher is properly prepared for gameplay without the constraints of a defined pitch limit in this specific situation.