Dropped Third Strike

[RenoUmp]

Last night, second game of doubleheader, two outs, R1 at first. F1 throws pitch, batter swings and misses, catcher drops ball, batters busts to first, R1 runs to second. F2 throws to second, where the ball is dropped and goes into short center.

I have everyone safe.

Partner calls BR out, because stikeout occured with first base occupied; therefore dropped ball has no consequence.

Its a blowout, so everyone lets it go.

I think I had it right, but cant find my rulebook.

Who is right.

[noumpere]

Last night, second game of doubleheader, two outs, R1 at first. F1 throws pitch, batter swings and misses, catcher drops ball, batters busts to first, R1 runs to second. F2 throws to second, where the ball is dropped and goes into short center.

I have everyone safe.

Partner calls BR out, because stikeout occured with first base occupied; therefore dropped ball has no consequence.

Its a blowout, so everyone lets it go.

I think I had it right, but cant find my rulebook.

Who is right.

You were right -- BR can try for first with two outs on a D3K .

[RenoUmp]

Thought so. Thanks.

[Mr Umpire]

Here is your rule for OBR.

6.09 The batter becomes a runner when—

( The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out;

You were right. (1) only applies with less than 2 outs.

[Umpire in Chief]

You were right -- BR can try for first with two outs on a D3K .

Indeed you had it right. The D3K rule is similar to the IFF where you are actually protecting the offence from a cheap DP by calling an out and removing the force out at first.

Also, it does not matter if the runner at first was stealing (unless he happens to be standing on second at the time of pitch). You may hear that one from time to time. The batter will be out and the result of the play at second will stand.

[huntbomb72]

Excellent tip, I do hear that all the time. "Blue, he wasn't on first, he was stealing." Soooo annoying!