Illegal Batting?

[stripes1977]

Had this discussion with some fellow officials, thought I'd throw it out for some more opinion:

A1 throws a backwards pass to teammate A2, who jumps in the air before "catching" the ball (I put it in quotes because it isn't really a catch by definition, but that's the best word to illustrate) and while still in the air throws the ball forward where it lands on the ground inbounds and then rolls out of bounds.

A backwards pass cannot be batted forward by team A, that's simple enough. However, would you interpret this as batting since the definition of batting is an "intentional act of striking or slapping" the ball and in this case, the ball was not struck or slapped, but rather intentionally thrown without there being any catch, possession, or recovery?

If not illegal batting, then wouldn't this simply be treated as a loose ball?

Personally, I can't see this act being within the spirit of the rules, and if I had this happen I would likely interpret the intentional act as being illegal batting. Any thoughts?