How about if first base is occupied? Does the catcher still have to catch a strike for it to be an out.
With less than 2 outs, if 1st base is occupied, the batter is out regardless if the catcher throws to first or not. The baserunner can advance at his own peril.
Yes. If first base is occupied the runner can only advance if there are two outs. If only one out or no outs the batter is automatically out. I have always thought this was a weird rule. Strike out is a strike out to me.
6.09
The batter becomes a runner when —
(a) He hits a fair ball;
(b) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out;
Rule 6.09(b) Comment: A batter who does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate.