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WMONROE
When you understand what is behind the rule, then it is easier to understand it's application.
First - contrary to popular opinion, a batter is not out on a third strike - they must be put out. The easiest way is for the catcher to catch the ball in flight. Then the batter is out an instant after the 3rd strike. In flight means directly from the pitcher to the catcher; that low pitch in the dirt that the catcher short-hops cleanly is NOT in-flight. So - if the ball touches the ground, or the catcher drops the ball, or misses it totally the batter has not been put out (though she now has 3 strikes on her).
There are other options to put her out. Tag her with the ball, tag 1B with the ball, or she leaves the field of play (goes through the fence).
When that the batter is running, she is forcing a runner already on 1B to second. That would give the defense an unfair advantage to get two outs (throw to 2B, relay to 1B) when they only deserved one out (the strike-out). (Imagine that the bases are loaded, runners not running, catcher deliberately drops 3rd strike, steps on home, throws to 3B, relay to 2B. 3 outs!)
So, if a runner is on 1B, the batter is automatically out on the 3rd strike - caught or un-caught - so that the runner is not forced to advance.
Finally, if you already have two outs, the defense can not get a double play, so then they still have to put out the batter.
Hope that helps.
BTW - many umpires (too many!) will call a batter out on a dropped third strike when she walks away from home, claiming that she gave up. Absolutely wrong. Until she goes through that opening in the fence she can "wake up" and sprint to 1B. Teach your catchers to tag that batter where ever she is, or hold on to the ball until the batter leaves the field.
WMB
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