Foul Bunt With Two Strikes
Also known as: foul bunt with two strikes, bunt foul on third strike
With two strikes, a bunt attempt that goes foul counts as the third strike, and the batter is out. MLB Rule 5.09(a)(4) and NFHS Rule 7-4-1e both say so. A full swing fouled off in that count does not end the at-bat. Only the attempt to tap the ball carries this penalty.
Ordinary fouls never end an at-bat. MLB's rulebook makes an exception. Its definition of a strike includes any pitch bunted foul. It describes a bunt as a ball the batter does not swing at but meets on purpose and taps slowly within the infield. The official scorer charges a strikeout under Rule 9.15(a)(4).
One case changes the scoring. If a fielder catches the pop-up before it lands, it is a caught fly ball. The batter is still out. The fielder gets a putout, and no strikeout is scored. A missed attempt in that count ends the at-bat like any swing and miss. So does a tip that goes sharp and direct into the catcher's mitt and stays there.
The plate umpire judges what counts as an attempt. A hitter who shows the barrel and then pulls it back to swing away, often called a slash, is swinging. Fouling off that swing leaves the count alone. Coaches rarely call for a sacrifice or squeeze once the hitter is down to his last chance. When they do, the hitter should square around only on pitches in the zone.
Tips by skill level
When you are down to your last chance, square around only if your coach gives the sign. Then go after pitches in the zone.
On a late-count squeeze, commit to any pitch in the zone and keep the barrel on top of the ball. A pop-up there ends the at-bat and often the inning.
Example
With a runner on second and a 1-2 count, a high school hitter squares around and pops the pitch over the backstop. The plate umpire rings him up. The scorebook shows a strikeout for the pitcher.
Why it matters
Many young hitters think any foul keeps an at-bat alive. Knowing this exception keeps them from giving away an out at a key moment.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the at-bat continues after a late-count attempt rolls foul
- Squaring around on a pitch outside the zone in that count
- Pulling the barrel back too late to make it a take
- Forgetting that a missed attempt there also ends the at-bat
Frequently asked questions
Is a foul bunt with two strikes an out?
Yes. That attempt counts as the third strike. MLB Rule 5.09(a)(4) and NFHS Rule 7-4-1e both call the batter out.
Can you bunt with two strikes?
Yes, it is legal. Most coaches avoid it. If the attempt rolls or pops foul, it is a strikeout.
Does a foul ball with two strikes count as a strikeout?
Not on a normal swing. It ends the at-bat only on a bunt attempt or a tip the catcher holds.
Sources
Related terms
- Bunt TechniqueBunt technique is deadening the ball by absorbing its speed instead of swinging. It uses soft hands, a squared or angled stance, and the bat as a cushion.
- Sacrifice BuntA sacrifice bunt trades the batter's own out to advance a runner into scoring position. It is a situational strategy, not an attempt to reach base safely.
- Squeeze Play (Bunt)A squeeze play is a called bunt to score a runner from third. The runner goes on the pitch in a suicide squeeze, or once the bunt is down in a safety squeeze.
- Two-Strike ApproachA two-strike approach is how a hitter adjusts with two strikes. They shorten the swing, cover more of the strike zone, and put contact ahead of power.
- Foul TipA foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher and is legally caught. It counts as a strike, and the ball stays live. With two strikes, it is strike three and the batter is out. If the catcher does not hold on, it is an ordinary foul ball.
Related guides & benchmarks
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