|
dacodee - when you understand the "Why" it is easier to apply the rule.
If there are runners in force positions (1B, 1B & 2B, or 1B, 2B, & 3B), the catcher can delibertely drop a third strike, pick it up and throw to a base for a force out, and the relay to 1B would complete a double play - one more out than the defense deserved (for the strike out).
So the rule makers said if 1B is occupied then the batter is automatically out - thus no chance for a cheap second out.
OK, so what if there are two outs? Can't get a double play, can you? So the automatic out is off, and the batter-runner now has to be put out if the 3rd strike is not caught.
WMB
|