catcher infraction

Question
In high school softball if a catcher throws a pitched ball to an unoccupied base and there is only two strikes on the batter should the batter be awarded a ball.Thank you for your response.

Answer
Hi Terry,

Thank you for your question!  Let's take a look at rule 6-3-2, 2011 NFHS Softball Rules Book: The catcher shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, except after a strikeout or putout made by the catcher, or to play on a base runner.  PENALTY: The batter is awarded a ball.

So, keeping in mind the rule's three exceptions, if the catcher returns a pitch to any player other than the pitcher, and the bases are empty, the batter is awarded a ball.  If the catcher returns a pitch to an unoccupied base, but one or two other bases are occupied, then the batter isn't awarded a ball.  It might seem like a stretch, but this decoy tactic could be considered a play on the other runner or runners.  This decoy tactic has limits, however.  Just because one or more bases are occupied, that doesn't give the catcher the freedom to return a pitch to an outfielder, for example.  In my games, at least, this is an unsporting act and a delay of game and will be dealt with accordingly.

Scott Kelly