Understanding Ball Out of Play After a Walk: Baseball Rules Explained

Question
Batter is in the box count is full, ball four is delivered and as the catcher receives the pitch it hits off her shin gaurd and deflects out of play.  If the batter has earned the walk on ball four why does she not then get awarded second base for a ball out of play.

Answer
Hi Scott,

very simple..by rule

8-5C. (Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch with stealing) When a pitched ball that remains
live becomes blocked or goes out of live ball territory.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and runners are awarded one base only. The
batter is awarded first base only on the fourth ball.


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