.blUWSx .share-button__close{top:6px;left:5px;}/*!sc*/ If the ball hits the And on the third swing, the ball was considered in play, whether the batter made contact or not. .cWQXyp{display:inline-block;width:100%;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ If the receiver caught it on the fly or on one bounce, the batter was out. .mHQYb .p-search__input--icon.close-icon:hover{cursor:pointer;}/*!sc*/ Passing the , Umpires are human so sometimes they make calls that make no sense, like calling an Infield Fly with no runner at 2B. data-styled.g10[id="buttonstyle__Label-sc-vlv7w5-0"]{content:"iwXciG,"}/*!sc*/ Doubled Up, but is the Runner Out of the Base Path? Can a Runner Continue to Run the Bases After He is Put Out? .hHLkAw input[type='search']{height:32px;-webkit-appearance:none;}/*!sc*/ The dropped third strike rule happens in baseball when a hitter strikes out, yet the catcher cant catch the pitch in the air. .mHQYb .p-search-item__image-thumbnail--rounded{background-color:#f7f7f7;margin-top:0;margin-left:0.25rem;height:40px;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;border-radius:50%;}/*!sc*/ Thats because it was a game designed to feature running around the bases -- running in a daring way so as not to be put out between them.\n\nWhen viewed in that context -- as a vestigial connection to the sports earliest roots -- the dropped third strike rule is a charming anachronism, akin to a confused time traveler reporting to the ballfield in a collared jersey made of weighty wool.\n\nA Major Leaguer on the mound -- or behind the dish -- isnt thinking in those terms. The rule we are told is that a batter can run to first on a 3rd dropped strike if first is empty, or, if there are two outs (even if a runner is on first). However, if 1st base is occupied and there are less than 2 outs, the batter is out regardless of if the 3rd strike is dropped or not. main{display:block;}/*!sc*/ .groqnz.markdown,.groqnz.photo figcaption,.groqnz.oembed .social-embed{padding:0 16px;}/*!sc*/ article > header{padding:0 16px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline img{max-width:100%;}/*!sc*/ It gives you the chance to punch out four in an inning, Braves reliever Will Smith said with a smile. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__subnav{background-color:#ffffff;width:calc(100vw - 145px);}/*!sc*/ article ul,article ol{padding:0;margin:0 0 0 2.5rem;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item a{bottom:0;position:absolute;width:100%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__image{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-right:0.5rem;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:55px;}/*!sc*/ If advancing on a dropped third strike is wacky, imagine batters advancing on any dropped pitch. .epHHrr{text-align:center;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team:first-of-type:before,.mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team + .p-search-item--player:before{color:#737373;font-size:12px;position:absolute;left:10px;top:10px;padding-top:12px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .mlb-header__login-menu__link:hover{background-color:#057AFF;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g139[id="Styles__ContributorContainer-sc-9g3k0d-0"]{content:"dLQAwR,"}/*!sc*/ @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;}}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g140[id="sharestyle__Label-sc-9nfkvu-0"]{content:"ezZJVn,"}/*!sc*/ PENALTY: The runner is out and the ball remains live unless interference occurs and is declared. does not retouch his base before a fielder tags him out or holds the ball while touching such base after any situation (8-2-1,2-3and2-4). after a dropped third strike (see 8-4-1e) or a fair hit, if the ball held by any fielder touches the batter before the batter touches first base; or if any fielder, while holding the ball in his grasp, touches first base or touches first base with the ball before the batter-runner touches first base: or As such, there was no need to have a defensive player -- a catcher -- positioned behind the batter. .blUWSx .share-icon{width:25px;cursor:pointer;}/*!sc*/ But batters could still occasionally get free trips to first.\n\nAll these years later, the dropped third strike rule still has not been dropped. .hspSPq:hover svg{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .bZhBFV img{max-width:220px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top > *{-webkit-order:0;-ms-flex-order:0;order:0;-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;}/*!sc*/ You Make the Call! .mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team.p-search-item--es:first-of-type:before{content:'Equipos';}/*!sc*/ 0. In the 1790s, said John Thorn, MLBs official historian, they had the right idea that strikeouts are boring.. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black.woff') format('woff');font-style:normal;font-weight:900;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ .dLQAwR .contributor__text--name{color:#222222;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;line-height:1;margin:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__container--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner .p-icon *{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ A Major Leaguer on the mound -- or behind the dish -- isnt thinking in those terms. If the bat and ball accidentally come in contact with each other a second time while the batter is holding the bat in the batters box, it is a foul ball. A third strike was in play, essentially a fair ball. @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;}}/*!sc*/ .bZhBFV{margin:0 auto 16px;}/*!sc*/ It remains a de facto defibrillator capable of resuscitating strikeout victims. does not legally slide and causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play, or on a force play, does not slide in a direct line between the bases; or. But foul balls could still be caught on one bounce for an out. Cmon, you know the words. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo img,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo a{height:56px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item{display:none;-webkit-flex:1 1 100%;-ms-flex:1 1 100%;flex:1 1 100%;position:relative;text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ When there are less than two outs, a batter is not allowed to run to first base on a dropped third strike because first base is occupied. However, if there are two outs, a batter is allowed to run to first base on a dropped third strike. In both scenarios, baserunners are free to run at their own risk. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav{text-align:left;background-color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ 11.16.3.2 The batter is hit by a pitch in the strike zone. .hspSPq:hover{cursor:pointer;background-color:#0462CC;}/*!sc*/ .hHLkAw input.left{padding-left:32px;}/*!sc*/ @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club],.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-microsite]{background-image:linear-gradient( #002D72 50%, #041E42 50% );}}/*!sc*/ Things got a little confusing in the 1860s. | Baseball Training Yet third strikes were still similar to fair balls in that the runner could advance if the ball went uncaught. How far can the batter go .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item{width:100%;-webkit-order:0;-ms-flex-order:0;order:0;background-color:#081c3b;border-bottom:1px solid #002867;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__info{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav{opacity:0;display:none;left:-9999px;position:absolute;margin:0px;-webkit-transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;pointer-events:initial;border-top:solid 4px #002867;border-radius:0 0 6px 6px;box-shadow:0px 0px 14px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__content{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{padding:11px 8px;white-space:nowrap;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__item:not(.header__subnav--teams__team),.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{display:block;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group{-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{background-color:#ffffff;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item{position:relative;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item:hover .header__nav-top__nav-item__text,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item[aria-expanded='true'] .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']{border-bottom:none;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']::after{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__subnav{display:block;opacity:1;top:52px;left:0px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__subnav--pin-to-right{right:0;left:auto;}}/*!sc*/ .hUHmCp > article .ad-top-right-container::before,.hUHmCp > article .ad-bottom-right-container::before{font-family:"proxima-nova";content:"ADVERTISEMENT";display:block;position:absolute;top:-17px;text-align:center;width:100%;color:#888888;font-size:0.694rem;line-height:13px;}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-icon__close{width:18px;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__content{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group:not(:first-child){margin-left:16px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group.cols{-webkit-column-count:2;column-count:2;-webkit-column-gap:8px;column-gap:8px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group-title{width:100%;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item{display:block;background-color:#ffffff;font-family:'mlb-primary','Helvetica Neue','Helvetica','Arial', sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item{border-color:rgba(255,255,255,0.15);background-color:#041E42;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav .scroll-buffer,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__subnav .scroll-buffer{padding-bottom:200px;}/*!sc*/ .ggWmAj .sticky-header__header{grid-column:1 / span 8;}/*!sc*/ Heres our story from 2020 on how this unusual rule came to be. .hUHmCp > article > header,.hUHmCp > article > section{grid-column:1 / span 12;}/*!sc*/ Thats because it was a game designed to feature running around the bases -- running in a daring way so as not to be put out between them.. It is designed to protect the runners. article ul{list-style:disc;}/*!sc*/ button:-moz-focusring,[type="button"]:-moz-focusring,[type="reset"]:-moz-focusring,[type="submit"]:-moz-focusring{outline:1px dotted ButtonText;}/*!sc*/ .kwDmpG{display:block;font-weight:500;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g155[id="newsletterOptinstyle__Form-sc-d7sh2p-0"]{content:"fAmXvR,"}/*!sc*/ Except that the game that we love is not called bat ball or pitch ball; its called baseball. data-styled.g170[id="Styles__TimestampContainer-sc-8rwtua-0"]{content:"hedPca,"}/*!sc*/ To them, the dropped third strike is a bit of a gut punch.\n\nYoure excited, Romo said. .hHLkAw input.right{padding-right:32px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-items{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;width:100%;padding:0px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.locale,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.search{display:none;}/*!sc*/ Though Kole Calhoun had swung through Verlanders 88-mph slider for strike three, the ball had dived into the dirt and bounced away from catcher Robinson Chirinos. Mar 31, 2013. You can trip up some smart baseball people with this basic rule about baserunning. For the first time in baseball history a player stole first base thanks to the Atlantic League-MLB partnership rule changes! .hYmwpY{display:block;}/*!sc*/ .fFwXhn{margin:0;}/*!sc*/ Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. SECTION 51. .mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club] .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__tagline img,.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-microsite] .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__tagline img{height:56px;max-width:512px;line-height:56px;}/*!sc*/ And as equipment improved, this play became easier to execute. .drUhS rect{fill:#000000;stroke:#000000;}/*!sc*/ @media (max-width:1023px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-side__nav-items{font-size:14px;}}/*!sc*/ WebThe batter may only advance to first base on a dropped third strike. does not legally attempt to avoid a fielder in the immediate act of making a play on him; or. .cwEpxl:hover{background-color:transparent;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__team--logo{height:24px;width:24px;padding:2px 2px 2px 0;margin-right:2px;display:inline-block;}/*!sc*/ .sczZi{border-bottom:1px solid #dddddd;border-top:1px solid #dddddd;font-size:1rem;margin:32px 16px;padding:32px 0;}/*!sc*/ button,select{text-transform:none;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.epHHrr.youtube iframe{width:500px;}}/*!sc*/ When the ball hits the ground on a third .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo--mlb img{margin:auto;}/*!sc*/ .XOHMa{bottom:0;left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top [class$='__nav-item__text']{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group-title{display:block;padding:10px;width:100%;-webkit-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid;word-wrap:break-word;word-break:break-word;}/*!sc*/ Ted Barrett and Chris Welsh Discuss What is Needed for a Continuous Appeal. If the batter strikes out (swinging or looking) and the catcher does not catch the pitch before it hits the ground, the batter can run to first base. Then, read the expert analysis by Rich Marazzi on what is legal on the base paths. .hHLkAw input{position:relative;font-size:15px;line-height:32px;color:#444444;font-weight:400;height:32px;padding:0 8px;width:100%;background-color:#ffffff;border-radius:5px;border:1px solid #444444;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ [hidden]{display:none;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:last-child{border:none;}/*!sc*/ Can a Runner Wave His Arms to Disrupt a Rundown? There shall be no accidental appeals on a force play. Batters were still allowed to advance if the third strike went uncaught. data-styled.g172[id="Styles__AppContainer-jwcsl0-0"]{content:"hUHmCp,"}/*!sc*/. WebNo rule Strike on the batter if the offense plate and first base. .hUHmCp > article{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(12,minmax(0,1fr));grid-gap:24px;color:#000000;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g21[id="imagestyle__Img-sc-xw1tzz-1"]{content:"ebrWqN,iQELft,"}/*!sc*/ Dropped third strikes: A look at baseball's strangest rule - MLB.com .mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu__link:hover{background-color:#e2e2e2;color:#002867;border-radius:3px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item .icon__nav-item{margin-right:8px;width:18px;height:14px;float:left;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__list:focus{outline:0;}/*!sc*/ By now, the pitcher was delivering actual throws, not lobs, and there was a catcher positioned to receive the throws. Web22. .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(2){-webkit-transform:rotate(45deg);-ms-transform:rotate(45deg);transform:rotate(45deg);}/*!sc*/ By Brady Hood He Goes into the Dugout, What's the Call? It is fascinating not so much for the merit of the rule but for its survival.\n\nNo GutsMuths, no glory. Rules consultant- Blue Jays, Brewers, Cardinals, Dbacks, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Rays, Reds, Red Sox, Royals, Tigers, Twins, Yankees, the Sinclair Regional Sports Networks, ESPN, YES, and White Sox TV .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos > *{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;}/*!sc*/ .hHLkAw{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ *{box-sizing:border-box;}/*!sc*/ Because of the close proximity of the pitcher to the ball, most times, that third swing and miss did indeed result in an out. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. As on a dropped third strike, the batter-runner is not considered to have abandoned the effort until the bat-ter-runner enters the bench or dugout area. .gkgVOa{display:inline-block;width:100%;height:auto;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ A play in which a runner legally loses the right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. Runner Misses 2B and the defensive Team Tries an Appeal. .ebrWqN:-moz-loading{color:#f3f3f3;}/*!sc*/ For a time, there was occasional incentive for the catcher to drop the third strike on purpose. .groqnz.markdown.youtube,.groqnz.photo figcaption.youtube,.groqnz.oembed .social-embed.youtube{padding:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(1),.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(4){opacity:0;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){h1.Styles__HeadlineContainer-sc-19rm04l-0{font-size:2.488rem;}h2.Styles__HeadlineContainer-sc-19rm04l-0{font-size:1.44rem;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline--no-sponsor{margin-right:0;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g115[id="sc-global-cDsONp1"]{content:"sc-global-cDsONp1,"}/*!sc*/ To score a dropped third strike follow these steps: 1) Tap Dropped 3rd Strike. Runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. is on or beyond a succeeding base when the ball is declared dead (5-2-2b-1) after having left a base too soon on a caught fly ball, or he failed to touch a preceding base, or he continues and touches a succeeding base after the ball has become dead and the defense initiates a proper and successful appeal; deliberately knocks the ball from a fielders hand. On a dropped third strike, when would you be able to run? And does our continued acceptance of this purposeless precedent qualify as an unhealthy marriage to tradition?\n\nOK, there are certainly bigger issues in ball and in life. .fuMUTu path{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Nobody is seriously questioning whether the rule ought to exist. , The Official Scorer shall credit a stolen base to a runner whenever the runner advances one base unaided by a hit, a putout, an error, a force-out, a fielders choice, a passed ball, a wild , If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff2') format('woff2'), url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:normal;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__image-thumbnail{margin-top:auto;height:45px;}/*!sc*/ header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open{position:fixed;top:0px;z-index:99992;}/*!sc*/ .epHHrr.youtube iframe{max-width:100%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__form{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ If a fielder drops a batted ball and contact with a runner occurs during a subsequent attempt to field the ball, the fielder has the greater responsibility for avoiding contact. .blLcNM .content .share-btn{-webkit-align-self:flex-end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;margin-left:auto;min-width:32px;position:relative;top:-16px;}/*!sc*/ If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to , Force Play .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Does this Runner Go Out of the Baseline to Avoid a Tag? .blUWSx .share-icon__button{background:none;border:none;padding:0;}/*!sc*/ Interference is called and the ball is dead immediately. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{display:none;}/*!sc*/ hr{box-sizing:content-box;height:0;overflow:visible;}/*!sc*/ He is then entitled to it until he is put out, or forced to vacate it for another runner legally entitled to that base. Two! The strikeout victim had reached first base. According to the MLB rules 5.06 (a), a runner occupies a base when: Occupying the Base (1) A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when he touches it before he is out. abbr[title]{border-bottom:none;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration:underline dotted;text-decoration:underline dotted;}/*!sc*/