PNLL Stump the Ump Archives

Pleasanton National Little League
Stump the Ump Archives

Question #2 There's an 0 and 2 count on the batter who surprises the defense when he squares to bunt. The pitcher throws so far inside that the batter has to fall back to avoid being hit by the pitch. Nevertheless, the ball hits the bat, goes straight back and hits the batter, then rolls into fair territory. What should the umpire's call(s) be?
	Foul ball. The ball touched the batter in foul territory. Count remains 0 and 2.
	Strike out. The batter bunted foul with a two strike count.
	Hit batter. It is a foul tip because the ball went straight back from the bat. Since a foul tip is a live ball, the batter is awarded first base.
	Live ball. The batter should be running to first since the ball ended up in fair territory after hitting the bat.