Expert: Andrew Mullins - 8/7/2009

Question
I have 2 questions about rules. The first is: on a dropped third strike and with first open, a runner from third reaches home before the batter is thrown out at first. Does the run count?  The second question is: when a balk is detected is the ball dead ONLY because, and ONLY at the moment that, the umpire declares 'balk'? If the umpire does not declare a balk but puts his hand up to indicate he has detected a balk can the play continue?  Then, if the offensive team does not advance any runners, the offensive team can request the balk rule to be invoked.
Thanks

Answer
First situation....A dropped third strike is still considered a "force out" so the run would not score at all if the batter runner is indeed thrown out.

Second, you didn't say what level of play.  High schools balks are considered a dead ball situation.  College & MLB are live ball so therefore play continues until it's over.  Has nothing to do w/ the "time" that an umpire calls or declares a balk...

Thanks for the question.....Andy

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