Another interesting play...

[Andy]

Originally posted by Skahtboi

But that raised the question in my mind...is there ever a time when bat movement in this situation could be considered a defensive manuever?

I have seen times where a batter was ducking away from a pitch that was high and inside, and as a result of the ducking away movement, the bat came around her body. I did not rule this bat movement as a swing, since the batter was not attempting to hit the ball.

It may be splitting hairs here, but if I saw the bat movement first prior to the attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch, I would rule a strike. If the bat moved as a result of the batter's attempt to get out of the way, the pitch is what it is based on its relation to the strike zone. Of course, if the ball contacts the bat, we have a batted ball and play accordingly.