To intentionally give a batter a base on balls:

• A. The pitcher must throw four pitches out of the strike zone.
• B. The catcher or coach must request to award the batter first base before the first pitch to the batter.
• C. The catcher or coach must request to award the batter first base on any ball-and-strike count.
• D. Both B and C.

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how an intentional base on balls is awarded. An intentional walk happens when the catcher or coach asks the umpire to award the batter first base, and the umpire grants it. Importantly, this can be done at any count during the at-bat, not just before the first pitch and not only after four pitches. It bypasses the normal four-ball requirement because the defense is signaling an intentional walk.

That’s why the correct description is that the catcher or coach must request to award the batter first base on any ball-and-strike count. The four-pitch mechanism describes a regular walk, not an intentional one, and limiting the request to before the first pitch is too restrictive.