Re: Can a bounced pitch still be a strike?
From the MLB rulebook, section 2 (Definition of Terms):
A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a "ball." If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base. If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught, for the purposes of Rule 6.05 (c) and 6.09 (b). If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he hit the ball in flight.
Of course, while a bounched pitch cannot be a strike, there is nothing against swinging at it and either missing or getting a base hit as Ichiro has done.
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