In a 3-2 count, if a pitch touches the batter outside the strike zone, what is the result?

In a 3-2 count, if a pitch touches the batter outside the strike zone, what is the result?

• A. The batter is out.
• B. The batter is awarded first base for ball four.
• C. The batter stays at bat with a full count.
• D. The batter is replaced by the next batter who assumes his count.

Answer: (B)

When a pitched ball contacts the batter, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded first base. This happens regardless of how many balls or strikes are in the count, and the next batter comes to the plate with a fresh 0-0 count. In this scenario, the batter takes first base due to being hit by the pitch, not because of four balls. The at-bat ends for the batter, there is no out, and the count resets for the following batter.

When a pitched ball contacts the batter, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded first base. This happens regardless of how many balls or strikes are in the count, and the next batter comes to the plate with a fresh 0-0 count. In this scenario, the batter takes first base due to being hit by the pitch, not because of four balls. The at-bat ends for the batter, there is no out, and the count resets for the following batter.