What happens when a batter attempts to hit a pitch but is hit by the pitch instead?

When a batter attempts to hit a pitch but is hit by the pitch instead, the situation is nuanced depending on whether the batter made an effort to avoid being hit and the location of the pitch. If a batter swings at the pitch and is struck by it, the rule states that the batter is considered to have struck out if the pitch is also deemed a strike.

In this scenario, since the batter swung at the ball, the act of swinging indicates an intention to make contact. Therefore, if the pitch is subsequently ruled as a strike, the batter indeed must face the consequences of being out. This ruling emphasizes the importance of the batter's actions in the split second before making contact with the pitch.

The other interpretations of the situation—awarding first base, counting the pitch as a ball, or not penalizing the batter—do not apply once the batter has attempted to swing at the pitch, because the nature of the action (swinging) coupled with the pitch's classification (as a strike) leads directly to the conclusion of being out. Understanding this rule helps players and observers recognize the intricate details that govern the game's flow and batter-pitcher interactions.