Dead ball... Ball!

[tribefan1952]

I had one earlier this year that I didn't call. (i.e., I gave the batter 1st base.) 0-2 count on 2 called strikes. Both strikes surprised me. Sweeping curves... very impressive... The batter hung in there on the third one, but it didn't break. Catcher asked me (quietly & respectfully) if the batter has to try to get out of the way. I said that he does, but he was likely faked out of his socks... like he had been on the previous 2 pitches. The catcher chuckled.