Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 8/29/2006

Question
Situation:  Pitcher throws third strike.  It hits catcher's glove but comes out (clearly a PB, not a WP).  Batter runs; catcher makes clean and good throw to 1st, in plenty of time, but 1st baseman drops the throw.

Is this scored E2 or E3?

Answer
Sam,

This should be scored as a passed ball and an E3.  If both players failed to make plays that they should have made with "routine effort" then they should be penalized.  However, a catcher is not given an error when a batter makes first because of a passed ball.  They get a passed ball charged to them.

I believed up until a short while ago that they do get an error on a passed ball that allows a batter to reach first, but the rules are clear that they only get a passed ball.

Hope this helps!

Brian