[EsqUmp]

A.R.15.3.5: The batter has a 3-1 count and although the next pitch is called a ball, no one acknowledges the base on balls. The next pitch
is a foul ball. 1) Before the next pitch, the offensive coach asks the plate umpire for the count and he acknowledges it is 4-2. Can the
umpire correct the count and award the batter first base even though a pitch has been thrown after the mistake? 2) Following the foul ball,
the next pitch is a called strike for strike three. The offensive coach immediately requests the plate umpire award the batter the base on
balls she had previously earned, thus negating the strike out. 3) On the next pitch, the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run and the
defensive coach immediately requests the plate umpire award the batter the base on balls she had previously earned, thus negating the
home run?
RULING: 1) Yes, as long as the batter has not completed her turn at bat, the umpire may correct the count. In this case, the batter would
be awarded first base because the rules say when a batter receives a fourth ball, she is awarded first base without liability to be put out.
Similarly, if a batter leaves the batter’s box headed for the dugout thinking she struck out (but has not) or heads to first base, thinking she
walked (but has not), the umpire shall direct her back to the batter’s box to complete her turn at bat. 2,3) In both cases, because the batter
completed her turn at bat, the window of opportunity to correct the count during her at bat no longer exists. The result of the play remains
the action from the last delivered pitch…strikeout in the first case and home run in the second. Note- 15.2.14 and 15.9.3 do not apply as
this is not a case of a delayed call or a reversed decision putting a player in undue jeopardy.