Dropped 3rd strike

[Guest SWBC]

What rule indicates that a catcher must catch a 3rd strike cleanly and the if it bounces directly into the catches glove that the catcher stilling tag or make the throw to first? Rule set obr 

thanks

[lilleaguer]

Rule 6.05 (b) Says the Batter would be out on a third strike caught.

(c) says the Batter is still out if the third strike is uncaught but 1st base is occupied before there are two outs.

(j) tells how to retire the batter on an uncaught third strike: tag him or 1st base before he touches 1st base.

Edited May 12, 2015 by lilleaguer
Missed a necessary rule citation

[grayhawk]

6.05  A batter is out when— 

(c) A third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before two are out; 

IN FLIGHT describes a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder. 

[basejester]

^^^

A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of
a ball in flight and firmly holding it;

[BuckeyeMike]

I'd like to add that your phrasing of "bounces directly into the catchers glove" is immaterial.   Once that ball touches dirt, it doesn't matter whether it's gloved immediately off the bounce or goes to the backstop, it's an "uncaught" throw/pitch. 

Putting @‌basejester's definition of A CATCH with @‌grayhawk's definition of IN FLIGHT gives complete supporting information for the ruling.