Quote:
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Originally Posted by PWL
If there were runners on first and third and the pitch was ball four, the pitch would not count. You would score runner from third and runner from first would move to second. Batter would stay at the plate.
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My example said a runner on first. At no time did I say "first and third." I was only explaining that you don't kill the ball on ball four if all runners advance 1 base. In these situations on ball four, the ball remains alive: R1, R1 and R2, R1, R2, and R3. In any other case, the ball is dead as it states in the rules (8.05 Penalty).
Let's review:
8.05 Penalty The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out,
unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error,
a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and
all other runners advance at least one base, in which case the
play proceeds without reference to the balk.
Now, in conclusion:
1) the word "unless" means that everything written before it is not applicable in the exceptions that will follow.
2) a "base on balls" and "all other runners advance at least one base" are the items which are the exceptions that make everything prior to the word "unless" not applicable in this particualr situation.
3) because these exceptions were met, the "play proceeds without reference to the balk. This means that the play proceeds, which would be impossible to occur unless the
ball remains alive, as is stated right there in 8.05 Penalty, by the very definition of the word "unless." The ball is dead
unless.
I hope this has cleared it up for you.