3rd strike swinging - catcher drops the ball

Question
What is the rule in a bases loaded situation?

Answer
With bases loaded and if there are less than two outs, the batter is out on the 3rd strike and can not advance on a dropped third strike. The base runners could try to advance (for example if the pitched ball gets by the the catcher), but they do so at risk and are not forced.

With two outs, there must be aplay after a dropped third strike. the catcher can either throw to first base, or with bases loaded, he can simply step on the plate for the final out.

Hope this helps.

Mike F.