If a pitch hits the ground and then strikes the batter (without a swing) is the batter allowed first base (hit by pitch) or is it a dead ball?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 2
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Both of your assertions are correct. This situation calls for an immediate dead ball AND the batter is awarded first base. It doesn't matter if the pitch touches the ground before reaching the batter it is still a pitch, in fact, the batter has the right to swing at such a pitch! Good question, I usually get asked this at least a couple times during the year by a couple of coaches.
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There is nothing magical about a pitch that hits the ground prior to reaching home plate - it's still a pitch. If the batter swings at it and misses, it's a strike. If he swings and hits it over the fence, it's a home run. If it hits the batter, he's hit by the pitch and should be awarded first base. It''s clearly covered in the rules under Rule 2.00. "Rule 2.00 (Ball) Comment: If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a “ball.” If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base. If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught, for the purposes of Rule 6.05 (c) and 6.09 (b). If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he hit the ball in flight."
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