When can a batter be hit by a pitch and not be awarded first base?

A batter can be hit by a pitch and not be awarded first base when the pitch is a strike and the batter does not make an attempt to hit it. In this scenario, if the pitch crosses the strike zone and the batter allows it to hit them without attempting to swing, the rules interpret this differently than if they were attempting to hit it. The batter must actively try to avoid being hit by the pitch while also positioning themselves in a way that does not justify being awarded first base simply due to the pitch contacting them.

Regarding this situation, if the pitch is deemed a strike, the batter is not allowed to take first base even if they are hit, since they had the opportunity to attempt a hit or to avoid being struck while in the strike zone. This emphasizes the rules that govern what constitutes a valid hit by pitch under specific circumstances, particularly concerning whether the batter’s actions reflect a genuine attempt to engage with the pitch.

The other options present scenarios that either contradict established rules or involve conditions under which a hit by pitch results in an awarding of first base, illustrating the precise nature of the rules in baseball.