The dropped third strike
WBSC · 2026–2029When the catcher fails to catch the third strike before it touches the ground, the batter may run to first if first base was empty with fewer than 2 outs, or whenever there are 2 outs. The ball remains live, and the defense must retire an eligible batter-runner by a legal tag or play at first.
The rule
When the catcher fails to catch the third strike before it touches the ground, the batter may run to first if first base was empty with fewer than 2 outs, or whenever there are 2 outs. The ball remains live, and the defense must retire an eligible batter-runner by a legal tag or play at first.
In practice
If first base is occupied with fewer than 2 outs, the batter is out on the third strike even if the catcher drops it. Other runners may still advance at their own risk while the ball is live. Eligibility to run is not the same as being awarded first base: the batter-runner can still be put out.
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