Dropped third strike question

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Coach has no basis for complaint. His team did not complete the out. ANY decent catcher knows that if they don't catch the third strike, they have to complete the out. And any decent coach knows the same.

Ball is live - not your fault the defense started leaving the field.

Does anyone know what the college rule is on this? The reason I ask is the coach in question was a 4 year starter for a major DI softball program and played in the WCWS as a player. I think she may have felt the rule was the same as college. Is the rule different.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

Does anyone know what the college rule is on this? The reason I ask is the coach in question was a 4 year starter for a major DI softball program and played in the WCWS as a player. I think she may have felt the rule was the same as college. Is the rule different.

The college rule says simply that the BR is out if she leaves the field of play on the uncaught third strike. There are no case plays that mention the BR cannot advance after the next pitch or after the defense leaves fair territory.