If a batter swings and misses at a pitch, what is the status of the pitch?

When a batter swings and misses at a pitch, the pitch is classified as a strike. This ruling is consistent with the NFHS Baseball Rules, which state that a swing and a miss constitutes an attempt to hit the ball. If the batter does not make contact with the ball during a swing, it is considered a strike, unless specific conditions warrant otherwise (such as a pitch that does not reach the strike zone, which would lead to it being deemed a ball).

In this case, the key takeaway is that any swing, regardless of contact, is an essential part of the pitch count and reflects the batter's attempt to engage with the pitch. Understanding this concept is crucial for players and coaches, as it influences the strategy during an at-bat and the overall game dynamics.