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Record the strikeout, then record why the batter reached first: write K + WP for a wild pitch or K + PB for a passed ball. Reaching safely on an uncaught third strike does not erase the strikeout.
What to write on the scorecard
Mark K for the strikeout and note WP or PB for the pitch ruling. For example, put K in the batter’s box and write WP or PB along the advance to first, using whichever space your scorecard provides. MLB’s scorekeeping guide includes K, WP and PB among common notations.
Do not score the play as a hit: the batter did not put the ball in play. The Official Baseball Rules direct the scorer to record the strikeout along with the wild pitch or passed ball when the third strike allows the batter to reach first. If a separate throwing error occurs during the play, record it only when the official scorer judges that an error should be charged; a pitch getting away by itself is not an error. MLB’s 2026 Official Baseball Rules, Rule 9.13, specifies the scoring.
How to decide between a wild pitch and passed ball
The distinction is whether the catcher could have stopped and controlled the pitch with ordinary effort. The official scorer makes this judgment; it is not a personal choice made by the person filling in the scorecard.
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| Ruling | When it applies | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wild pitch | A legally delivered pitch is so high, wide or low, or bounces before reaching the catcher, and the catcher does not stop and control it with ordinary effort, allowing advancement. | K + WP |
| Passed ball | The catcher fails to hold or control a pitch that should have been handled with ordinary effort, and advancement results. | K + PB |
A useful shorthand is K plus the cause of the advance: K records the batter’s strikeout; WP or PB records the official scoring decision about why the ball was not controlled.
What changes if the defense records an out?
Do not automatically add WP or PB just because the third strike was not caught cleanly. The rules say not to charge a wild pitch or passed ball if the defense makes an out before any runners advance.
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In the specific play where the catcher recovers the third strike and throws or tags the batter-runner out at first while other runners advance, record the strikeout, the putout and any assists. Credit the other runners’ advances as a fielder’s choice. Follow the actual outcome and scoring ruling rather than treating every uncaught third strike alike.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the batter still gets a strikeout
Under Rule 9.13 of MLB’s 2026 Official Baseball Rules, a third strike that is a wild pitch and permits the batter to reach first is scored as both a strikeout and a wild pitch. The same rule calls for a strikeout and a passed ball when the third strike permits the batter to reach first on a passed ball. MLB’s strikeout glossary likewise states that the batter and pitcher are credited with a strikeout even if the batter reaches first safely.
Scorecard designs vary, so use the K, WP or PB notation in the batter’s box and base-path area your card provides. MLB’s scorekeeping guide shows common symbols and examples; a paper scorebook is one optional way to keep track of the play.
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