14&under asa girls fastpitch

Question
bases loaded two outs ,dropped third strike. batter runs. that puts  four runners on base. shouldnt  that make it a force at home.  so catcher touches home inning over.     thank you,great site.....coach bill

Answer
Thanks for the question Bill, this is a good one.

I had to break out the ASA 2005-2006 Casebook for an example of the correct call here.  As with most rules, the most obvious call is usually the correct one.

The case book says, "Play 8.1-7  (Fast Pitch Only) R1 on 3B, R2 ON 2B, R3 ON 1B with two outs.  The batter misses a third strike.  The catcher drops the ball but recovers in time to tag home plate.  RULING: R1 is out.  Since there are two outs, the batter is not out on the dropped third strike.  As a result, the three base runners are forced to advance and the catcher's tag of the plate retires the side. (Rule 8-1B, 1-FORCE OUT)"

So you can see in this situation, a dropped third strike FORCES the runners to new bases and creates a FORCE PLAY at home.

Thanks for the question!

Rich