Dropped 3rd strike...and lots of confusion.

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Mar 14, 2017
453
43
Michigan
Bases loaded, 2 outs-dropped 3rd strike. No one reacts to the dropped 3rd strike and just acts like the inning is over.

Catcher rolls the ball to the pitcher's circle and defense trots off the field.

The batter walks toward the first base dugout.

The runners who were running due to the full count and 2 outs slow down and head toward their dugout, however, for some reason the runner at 3rd continues home, step on the plate and jogs to the dugout, but not intentionally trying to score.

Both sides switch and during the warm ups I ask my friend who was umping, "Wasn't that a dropped 3rd strike?" He paused and said, "Yeah, it was now that you mention it, but it looks like you're the only one who noticed."


Here's where I'm hazy, the runner on 3rd scored before other runners left the field, but no one but her touched the next base, but there was no appeal or tag or force attempt ever made.

Should the run count? Should the umpire declare that the run scored if it counts?

IIRC the batter is out when they enter the dead ball area. Is this the same for a runner from first or second who thinks the inning is over and walks to the dugout?

Are the runners who left the bases considered force out since they never made it to the next base.

HELP!!!! Every time I think I have the answer I think of some new caveat that make me change my mind.
 
Dec 6, 2016
70
18
If 1st base was occupied (you said bases were loaded), then drop 3rd strike is no longer in effect. Batter is out...you can stop worrying about it now :)
 
Apr 17, 2012
806
18
Wi
Dropped third is always in effect w 2 outs.. Did the ca5cher touch home? Did the batter remove her helmet?
 
Last edited:
Aug 29, 2011
2,581
83
NorCal
The batter (who gave herself up by returning to the dugout) never reached first which is a force out. No run scores.
 
Apr 3, 2015
1
1
I stand corrected on my understanding. After reading this and seeing the confusion, I looked it up. Will remember this for next game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
Wow I hope some of you aren't umpires or coaches. With two outs first base CAN be occupied. The point of the rule is to prevent the easy double play and with two outs you don't need a double play.

My interpretation of the OP's question is that if the umpire called strike three AND an out no run can score. Typically umpires in a drop third will just call strike and let the play continue.

Walking to the dugout also doesn't make you automatically out. As I recall you have to leave the field of play (enter the dugout).
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
where is the force out? catcher rolled the ball back to the pitcher.

It is not a force out, however, the BR never reached 1B safely which means no runs can score regardless of how many advanced or how quickly. Inning is over the moment the BR stepped into DBT.
 
Aug 29, 2011
2,581
83
NorCal
It is not a force out, however, the BR never reached 1B safely which means no runs can score regardless of how many advanced or how quickly. Inning is over the moment the BR stepped into DBT.

Thanks for the clarification. My "force out" comment was in error.

No run may score on an inning-ending play in which the third out is a force out or on the batter before he reaches first base.
 

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