Score the run

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Matt

I agree, but in the situation you bring up, the throw precedes the desertion.

Sounds like that's the case in the OP, too. He's heading for the dugout when the throw is made. He doesn't desert on a batted ball until reaching the dugout (assuming nothing has changed), unlike the new rule where leaving the dirt circle on the uncaught third strike is evidence of desertion.