Batter's Rights: Running on a Fired Third Strike - MLB Rules Explained

Question
the batter has three balls and two strikes,the next pitch is a one bouncer to the catcher and is fielded cleanly by the catcher,but the batter swung at the pitch for the third strike,since the ball hit the dirt,and even if batter swung,would the batter have the right to run to first base since the ball hit the dirt.

Answer
Hi Peter,

yes if the other DK3 requirements are met, she can run to 1st.

The rule actually is "when the catcher fails to catch the 3rd strike before it hits the ground."  not if the catcher drops the 3rd strike.  In this case since the ball hit the ground before the catcher fielded it the D3K rules applies.

Mark