Which statement correctly describes when an intentional base on balls can be awarded?

• A. It can occur only after four pitches outside the strike zone.
• B. It can occur prior to pitching to the batter or on any ball-and-strike count.
• C. The awarding of first base can occur prior to pitching to the batter or on any ball-and-strike count.
• D. It cannot occur at any other time.

Answer: (C)

Intentional base on balls is when the defense or manager asks the umpire to award first base to the batter without a pitch. This can be done at any time before a pitch is delivered to the batter, or even during any ball-and-strike count. It doesn’t require four pitches outside the strike zone, and it isn’t limited to a specific count. Therefore, the proper description is that the awarding of first base can occur prior to pitching to the batter or on any ball-and-strike count.