Dropped third strike - 2 situations

Question
Hi, Mark -

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.  I have two questions on dropped third strike situations:

1) Runner on first, one out, two strikes.  Steal attempt is in progress when batter swings and misses at a ball in the dirt.  Is first base considered occupied?

2) Bases loaded, two outs, two strikes.  Batter - runner swings and misses at strike three, but it is dropped.  May the third out be made on the runner from third, or is that runner automatically awarded home unless the batter - runner is put out at first?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Dave,

1) Is first base considered occupied?  Yes a base is considered occupied until the runner legally advances and occupies the next base, or is put out.

2)May the third out be made on the runner from third, Yes step on the plate with control of the ball for the out.

is that runner automatically awarded home unless the batter - runner is put out at first? No

Mark