Question: In high school baseball and softball and following ball four on the batter, is the ball live or dead? Can the defense ask for time prior to the batter reaching base?
Answer: Ball remains live during this awarded base; request for time will be denied until all runners have reached base and all playing action has been stopped. (BB-Rule 2, Sec. 4, Art. 2; SB- Rule 2-63-1 & Rule 8-1-1(c))
Question: In high school baseball and softball, must pitches be thrown for an intentional walk (base on balls)?
Answer: Baseball only – an intentional walk is permitted without pitches being thrown. Defensive coach or catcher may request umpire to award batter first at any time during an at bat. (Dead ball.) (Rule 2, Sec. 4, Art. 3) Softball only – in fast pitch, intentional walks are not possible by rule; pitches must be thrown during live ball. (Rule 2-63 & Rule 8-1-1(c))