A PITCH is a ball delivered to the batt=
er by
the pitcher. Nowhere does it say anything about how it was delivered. A pit=
cher
can roll the ball on the ground or throw it straight up in the air. If it
travels across the foul lines, it is a pitch. Any rule that makes any state=
ment
about a pitch is referring to this definition. Therefore, if a pitch touches
the ground before reaching the plate, it is by definition a pitch. The batt=
er
may hit it, and the hit is legal. If he is touched by it and was trying to
avoid it, he is awarded first base. If he swings and misses it, it is a str=
ike.
The only thing a pitch that touches the ground can never be; is a CALLED st=
rike
or a caught third strike. Both of these must be in-flight pitches.