Dropped Third Strike
Also known as: uncaught third strike, dropped strike three, drop third strike, D3K, third strike not caught, run on a dropped third strike, running on strike three
On a dropped third strike, the batter may run to first if the catcher does not catch strike three before it touches the ground. It applies only when first base is empty or there are two outs. To get the out, the catcher usually tags the batter or throws to first.
Under MLB Rule 5.05(a)(2), a batter becomes a runner when the third strike is not caught. That applies only if first base is empty or there are two outs. USA Softball's fast-pitch rule (Rule 8, Section 1B) uses the same conditions. With first base occupied and fewer than two outs, the batter is out anyway (MLB Rule 5.09(a)(3)). That exception stops a catcher from dropping the ball on purpose to set up a force play.
Caught means the ball is in the catcher's glove before it touches the ground. A pitch in the dirt that the catcher scoops on a bounce is not caught, even if it looks clean. Under MLB's rules, a ball that lodges in the catcher's gear or is caught off the umpire is not legally caught either. Under MLB scoring rules, the pitcher is still credited with a strikeout.
The batter should run hard right away. Under MLB rules, a batter who does not try to run is out once they leave the dirt circle around home plate. USA Softball's fast-pitch rule calls the batter-runner out on entering the team area. The catcher can tag the batter or throw to first. With the bases loaded and two outs, stepping on home plate also gets the force. In Little League, the rule does not apply below the Major Division. In slow-pitch softball, the batter is simply out on strike three.
Tips by skill level
On strike three in the dirt, look at the catcher and run unless first base is occupied with fewer than two outs. Running costs nothing.
As a catcher, know the base and out situation before every pitch with two strikes. On a ball in the dirt, block it, find it and tag the batter or throw to first right away.
Example
Two outs and nobody on. The batter swings and misses at a curveball in the dirt for strike three. The catcher blocks it, but it bounced first. The batter sprints for first base. The catcher picks it up and throws to first just in time for the out.
Why it matters
Batters who know the rule turn wild pitches into free bases. Catchers who know it finish the play instead of rolling the ball back to the mound.
Common mistakes
- Not running because the umpire called strike three
- Thinking the batter can run when first base is occupied with fewer than two outs
- Thinking a ball scooped on a bounce counts as caught
- Catchers rolling the ball back to the mound instead of finishing the play
Frequently asked questions
Can you run on a dropped third strike?
Yes, if first base is empty or there are two outs. If first base is occupied with fewer than two outs, the batter is out. Run right away. To get you out, the catcher usually tags you or throws to first.
What counts as a dropped third strike?
Any strike three the catcher does not catch in the glove before it touches the ground. That includes a pitch in the dirt that is scooped on a bounce, even if the batter swung.
Does the dropped third strike rule apply in Little League?
Not below the Major Division. Little League says the uncaught third strike rule does not apply to its younger divisions. Check your league's local rules.
Is there a dropped third strike in slow-pitch softball?
No. In slow-pitch the batter is out on strike three. The dropped third strike rule applies in baseball and fast-pitch softball.
Sources
Related terms
- Blocking a Pitch (Catching)Blocking is when a catcher smothers a pitch in the dirt with the body and chest protector, not the glove. It keeps the ball in front, preventing a passed ball.
- Strikeout RateStrikeout rate (K%) is the percentage of plate appearances that end in a strikeout — elevated K% reduces a hitter's value by eliminating batted-ball outcomes entirely.
- Check SwingA check swing is a swing the hitter stops before the bat crosses the plane of contact. It counts as a swing if the bat and wrists broke toward the ball.
- Strike ZoneThe strike zone is the three-dimensional region over home plate where a pitch must pass to be called a strike. Under MLB rules it runs from just below the kneecap up to the midpoint between the batter's shoulders and the top of the uniform pants.
- Baserunning ReadA baserunning read is the split-second decision a runner makes based on what the ball does after contact — whether to advance, hold, or retreat.
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