hit by pitch-need ruling

[Bfair]

In a 5A HS tournament with the HOST team at bat, bases loaded, and a 2-2 count. The pitch is slightly inside to the batter who just stands there and turns his body. Dead ball, stay in box, 3-2 count. No arguments from anyone.

Next pitch over the plate. Batter dips left shoulder into ball, gets hit, and starts trotting to first. Dead ball, strike 3, batter is out. Look of wonder on his face (and probably mine). He trots to dugout. No arguments from ANYONE.

Partner after game says excellent calls. Point being, when it happens, everyone else sees the same action (or lack of). It's how YOU interpret the play that makes the call. If it happened, there are likely many others agreeing with you---just generally not those on the side of the offense.
If you feel certain it happened, keep him home. Letting him go to first is inviting further plays of that nature.

Just my opinion,

Freix