Rule Clarification on Game called a Forfeit

Question
QUESTION: In our men抯 slow pitch game last night we were the home team, bottom of the 5th, 2 outs, no runners on base, we抮e down by 5 runs and clock winding down (still time on the clock if we get the 3rd out to get another chance at bat).  We tell our current batter to strike out for the 3rd out, which he does perfectly.  The umpire calls the batter out and then calls the game a forfeit due to rule 5 section 4 Article E.  (If a team employs tactics noticeably designed to delay or to hasten the game).  The question is, was this the correct calling/intent of the rule ?was the umpire correct?  We thought it was a smart play on our end to get another chance at bat.  Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Jake

ANSWER: Hi Jake,

Why not just have them step on the plate when they make contact w/ the ball, that's faster?  that being said I don't think that the call made against you is the correct intent of the rule,  If I were you I would have protested it (too late now) and get a ruling from the LD.  I still would give the LD a call now for future reference.

mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Mark,
Thank you for the quick response.  As a follow up, since the umpire claimed it was the "Intent of the Rule" that we were hastening the game, will you please explain the "Intent" of that rule so I may have a better understanding of it when I discuss it with the LD?  (As for the stepping on the plate part, we will make sure to do that in the future).
Thanks,
Jake

Answer
Hi Jake,

I have to admit I've never penalized a team that made the game go quicker.  I have warned teams on delaying tactics as I'm more concerned about that.

Honestly I think the call was wrong as the overall spirit of ASA play is to be "user friendly"  While an umpire has to be the final arbitrator of plays and rules this goes beyond that IMO, let the teams play the game.  I have seen any number of teams over the years do similar things to get a last bat on a time limited game and never seen an umpire make that call.

Get with the LD, see what their position is on user-friendly and this particular call.

Good luck

Mark