Make the count decision

Choose one answer per scenario, then compare your reasoning with the explanation. Counts show balls first, strikes second. Assume legal pitches, no additional violations and no unresolved challenges unless stated.

Use the 2026 Official Baseball Rules for these MLB scenarios. This exercise does not assess pitch-timer penalties or ABS procedures. Do not apply its answers automatically to youth or other competition codes.

For guided practice, see the balls, strikes and count decisions lesson and worksheet.

Rulebook

Make the call

Choose a ruling for each situation, then check your answers.

1. The scoreboard shows 2–1. Maya takes a pitch that hits the dirt before bouncing through the strike zone. What count should the umpire announce?
Answer and explanation

3–1

The bounce makes this a ball, not a called strike. Rule 5.05(a)(3).

Rule basis: Major League Baseball — Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition · MLB play; the specified count and batting decisions only. Youth, school, college and other competitions are outside this quiz’s scope.

2. Luis has a 3–1 count. He swings and misses a pitch well outside the strike zone. What happens?
Answer and explanation

The count becomes 3–2

A swing and miss adds a strike; location does not produce ball four. Definition: Strike(a).

Rule basis: Major League Baseball — Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition · MLB play; the specified count and batting decisions only. Youth, school, college and other competitions are outside this quiz’s scope.

3. Starting at 1–1, Nia hits two consecutive ordinary foul balls into the stands, both with full swings. What is the count?
Answer and explanation

1–2

Only the first foul adds a strike; the second cannot be strike three. Definition: Strike(c).

Rule basis: Major League Baseball — Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition · MLB play; the specified count and batting decisions only. Youth, school, college and other competitions are outside this quiz’s scope.

4. With a 2–2 count, Eli attempts a bunt. The ball lands untouched in foul territory and stays there. What is the decision?
Answer and explanation

Eli is out

A foul bunt with two strikes retires the batter; ordinary two-strike foul protection does not apply. Rule 5.09(a)(4).

Rule basis: Major League Baseball — Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition · MLB play; the specified count and batting decisions only. Youth, school, college and other competitions are outside this quiz’s scope.

5. One out, a runner on first, and a 0–2 count: Jo swings and misses. The catcher drops the pitch. What is Jo’s status?
Answer and explanation

Jo is out

Occupied first with fewer than two outs prevents the uncaught-third-strike escape. Rule 5.09(a)(3).

Rule basis: Major League Baseball — Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition · MLB play; the specified count and batting decisions only. Youth, school, college and other competitions are outside this quiz’s scope.

6. Two outs, bases loaded, and a 1–2 count: Sam misses a pitch that skips past the catcher. What may Sam do?
Answer and explanation

Try to reach first safely

With two outs, occupied first does not prevent running; first is not awarded. Rule 5.05(a)(2).

Rule basis: Major League Baseball — Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition · MLB play; the specified count and batting decisions only. Youth, school, college and other competitions are outside this quiz’s scope.

7. At 2–2, Rae swings at an inside pitch. It misses the bat and strikes Rae’s forearm during the swing. What is the ruling?
Answer and explanation

Rae is out

Swinging contact with the pitch is strike three, not a first-base award. Rule 5.09(a)(6).

Rule basis: Major League Baseball — Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition · MLB play; the specified count and batting decisions only. Youth, school, college and other competitions are outside this quiz’s scope.

8. At 3–1, Alex checks a swing on an outside pitch initially called a ball. On a timely catcher-requested appeal, the base umpire rules that Alex swung. What follows?
Answer and explanation

Alex continues at 3–2

The appealed strike replaces the ball call; the apparent walk does not stand. Rule 8.02(c) Comment.

Rule basis: Major League Baseball — Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition · MLB play; the specified count and batting decisions only. Youth, school, college and other competitions are outside this quiz’s scope.

Rule editions and sources