John Sandlin,
Here are the relevant rules.
From Rule 2.0:
"A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a "ball." If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base. If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught, for the purposes of Rule 6.05 (c) and 6.09 (b). If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he hit the ball in flight.
"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; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform in getting possession. ...
"IN FLIGHT describes a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder. "
From 6.05:
"A batter is out when_ ...(b) A third strike is legally caught by the catcher; "Legally caught" means in the catcher's glove before the ball touches the ground. ..."
Finally, from 6.09:
"The batter becomes a runner when_ ...(b) 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;..."
JM
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