Baseball rules corner: dropped third strike can result in some interesting plays.

WHEN THERE IS A DROPPED third strike with runners on base, particularly with the bases loaded, it can create interesting challenges for catchers, pitchers, runners and even managers. The related rule here is 6.05 (c) which reads, "A batter is out when a third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before two are out." This would also include situations when there are runners on first and third, or first, second and third.

Rule 6.05 (c) is a close cousin of the Infield Fly Rule since its primary purpose is to protect the runner/runners from deception on the part of the catcher. When the batter-runner is automatically out, runners are not forced to advance. They can, however, run at their own risk. And if they do so, a tag is required since this is not a force play.

Without 6.05 (c) a catcher could intentionally drop a third strike and create a double or triple play just like a fielder could likewise purposely drop a fly ball to gain the same result. Can you envision Astros' catcher Brad Ausmus intentionally dropping a third strike with a runner on first base and one out. He could quickly pick up the ball, fire to second with shortstop Adam Everett covering, and then Everett could throw to first for an inning-ending 2-6-3 double play.

Notice that the rule is enforced only before two are out. With two outs and first base occupied, the catcher needs to tag the batter on a dropped third strike or throw to first. His toughest play would be to throw to second.

If a dropped third strike should occur with the bases loaded and less than two outs, the batter is automatically out per 6.05 (c) but runners can run at their own risk. If they do, a tag is necessary to record a putout. With two outs, the catcher with ball in possession needs only to tag home plate with his foot or hand to get the third out since this is a force play.

Now that we have the foundation for the rule, let's go to the Cubs-Phillies game that was played in Philadelphia on August 3.

The Phils had the bases loaded and one out with the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the ninth. Pat Burrell, batting with a full count, swung and missed a pitch that got by Cubs' catcher Michael Barrett. Jimmy Rollins, the runner on third, broke for home, stopped halfway down the line, then darted home and scored the winning run when Barrett threw to third.