ATLANTA, GA — The “dropped third strike” rule is a rule that is rarely seen in baseball today. Most baseball fans hardly notice it when it happens, as a player will strike out from a ball in the dirt, and the catcher will usually just tag the batter on his way back to the dugout. However, under the correct circumstances, the “dropped third strike” rule can be electric. That’s exactly what happened to Arizona Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll against the Braves in Atlanta on Tuesday night.
In a bizarre series of events, Carroll went from striking out to ending up on third base. The top of the 2nd inning saw the two teams tied at five a piece with one out and one man on. Carroll struck out swinging on a pitch in the dirt that bounced off of catcher Sean Murphy. Carroll took off and forced Murphy to try and make a play. His throw went wide of first and deep into Right Field. Carroll lost his lid as he reached first and then sprinted around the bases to end up on third. Ketel Marte scored in the wild process to give Arizona a 6-5 advantage in the ball game.
The “dropped third strike” rule only applies in certain situations. There are several conditions that have to be met. First, it only goes into effect if a batter strikes out, either called or swinging, and the catcher doesn't cleanly secure the ball. Second, if first base is empty or there are two outs, the batter becomes a runner. The catcher must then tag the runner or throw him out at first to still achieve the out.
While rare, the nuanced rule still allows for exciting moments like the one seen in the game on Tuesday. Baseball fans might scratch their heads at a rule that has its roots in the origins of baseball but love the excitement and action all the same.
Arizona Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll
(Credit: foxnews.com)
The Diamondbacks halted a four-game skid with a 16-13 victory over the NL East-leading Braves. Geraldo Perdomo gave Arizona the lead with a two-run double in the ninth inning, and the Diamondbacks took advantage of Atlanta’s failure on the mound to secure the win over the Braves 16-13 on Tuesday night.
Next up, the Braves host Arizona in the second of a three-game series against the Diamondbacks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:20 p.m.
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