The rule says in order for the batter to be out they have to INTENTIONALLY hit the ball a second time.Why then does the umpire manual say that if the batt is out of their hand and it contacts the ball a second time, the batter is out. Also under dead ball/suspension of play it states it is a dead ball if the bat contacts the ball a second time. These are both contradicting the rule aren't they. Dave

When a batter leaves the box they have several options with regards to the bat. They can carry the bat, set it down, throw it in any number of (360) directions. However, if they throw the bat in the direction of the ball, and the bat strikes the ball, they have obviously interferred with the fielder's ability to make a play. I am going to find "intent" because it was their choice of where to throw the bat.

Dead ball, interference, batter out!

WMB

With emphasis on " the bat strikes the ball", not the ball strikes the bat.