Batter-Runner on uncaught 3rd strike and loose ball

[UmpireErnie]

Champaja

I agree the mere fact that an U3K bounces off F2s shin guards and then off the BRs leg should not earn the defense an out. They failed to catch the ball, so now they have to make a play on the BR.

However, if some action by the BR takes away the opportunity for the defense to make that play you have to apply INT even if you think it was unintentional.

Example..the ball bounces off F2s shin guard into BRs legs..nothing so far..but BR (intentionally or unintentionally; doesn't matter) then kicks the ball away from F2 and runs to 1B. If in the umpire's judgment the defense lost the opportunity to make the play on the BR or another runner then INT would apply. Dead ball, BR out, runners return to last base occupied at time of INT which in this case would be the base at the time of the pitch.