Strike three rolls under fence

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

... NFHS 8.4.3.c (even though the wording could be improved)

1. "The batter is awarded first base only on the fourth ball." (The batter is awarded only first base on the fourth ball.)
2. "The batter is awarded first base only on the fourth ball." (The batter is awarded first base on the fourth ball only.)

You are right about the wording needing to be improved. I don't know if they are dangling a participial or prepositional phrase, but they've dangled something. I always read it as #1. Perhaps because the new guys, including me when I was new, always ask, "Does that it mean on ball four they get second?" And in response we point them to that statement.

On a dropped third stike going out of play, I would have awarded the BR first if they otherwise had the right to occupy it. Since #2 above is certaining different than that, I'm not sure what I'd do now. It has not happened since '89. Maybe it will keep not happening on the fields I'm on, at least until the wording is redone.