If a batter does not permit the ball to hit him and the pitch strikes him, what is the ruling?

When a batter is struck by a pitch that is considered to be in the strike zone but did not intentionally allow the ball to make contact with them, the ruling is that the batter is awarded first base. This situation arises under the interpretation that the pitch is deemed to be a hit-by-pitch unless the batter makes an effort to avoid being hit or is attempting to swing at the pitch.

In fundamental baseball rules, the intent of the batter is critical; if they do not make an effort to get out of the way and simply allow the ball to hit them, they may not be awarded first base. However, because the question specifies that the batter does not permit the ball to hit them, it indicates that the contact was incidental rather than intentional. Therefore, the proper ruling aligns with the convention that any batter hit by a pitch is typically granted the privilege of occupying first base.

This ruling encourages pitchers to deliver accurate pitches while also protecting batters from potential injury and ensuring fair play in the game.