Strike Pitch - Do you still call it?

[sm_bbcoach]

HAd a game last night (JV level). Had a good & big strike zone all night. Home team pitcher stays mainly mid and up all night. Visitors came in with a guy who threw low balls and breaking junk. That being said here goes:

His pitches were strikes when they crossed the plate, then dumped off the table and headed to the ground. Catcher did a good job of catching them - well most of them. Had 3 in a row,
#1 right at knees, over the plate catcher drops to block ball STRIKE 1
#2 same exact pitch. STRIKE 2
coach: " come on. ball is 3inches off the ground. LEt me know next time and we will bring shovels."
#3 Ball mid thigh level over inside corner (I see it since I am set there). Ball breaks and drops down, again catcher blocks ball. STRIKE 3.

Coach has a few more words; quietly. Their fans not liking the calls - obviously.

My question: If it is a strike when it crosses the plate, should it matter how the C stops it? If we worry about that part then what about the C who sets up way outside (off the plate) and then P rips one on the inside corner or down the pipe. C has to quickly dive at ball to stop it. Are these BALLS?

I am a first year ump looking for solid advise- not looking to begina pissing match.

Thanks