Right or wrong call?

Granted, but the batter becomes a b-r on ball four also. NFHS rule specifically states the batter is awarded first base if a pitched ball becomes blocked on the fourth ball.

My point is the rule book specifically covers the fourth ball and not the uncaught third strike.

Its similar to a pitched ball that bounces in front of the plate and then the batter foul tips it into the catchers mitt. If its the third strike and less then 2 outs or first base is unoccupied is the batter out or does she have the right to advance. It is an uncaught third strike and it is a foul tip. The rule book does not cover this, but most would say the batter is out.

 

There are tons of things that the rule book spells out in infinite detail while completely ignoring a similar situation.

Just because the book addressed 4 balls (IMHO, just to be sure you didn't award 2B because the runner was already entitled to 1B, a situation which doesn't exist on D3K), doesn't mean that it meant that the strike victim can't get 1B.

Yes, a ball that bounces then meets qualifications for a foul-tip could be a strike, and it could be a third strike. In this case there is a conflict in the (ASA) rule book that clearly says that when a foul-tip that is the third strike occurs, the batter is out but also contains the rule for the uncaught third strike that says she may advance. With conflict, you can have valid disagreement about what should be done until the rules are clarified. I'm sitting here debating whether or not you can get a foul tip when the ball bounces...

 

Just to be clear I personally award first base in the debated situation, using the same argument that the batter should not be penalized for a defensive error.

As you, I can only assume the fourth ball clause is there to insure the batter is not awarded more then first base in this situation, but until there is a case play we are just assuming.


As for the foul tip, the definition say a ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher's glove/mitt and is caught by the catcher. So, yes you can have a foul tip if the ball bounces before the contact.