ASA Is It a Strike

[yance]

Last night in league ASA: Pitcher throws a pitch that is way short of the plate. Batter with 2 strikes swings and tips it after it bounces. I contend that since a player can not hit a ball after it hits the ground its a strike and he is out. That is logical but is it correct? What if it had gone fair after he had used up his courtesy? (1-1 starting count)

 

[RustyShakleford]

Ball contacting the ground in front of or on the plate is a dead ball

 

[RustyShakleford]

 

[NCASAUmp]

If the batter began his swing prior to the ball hitting the ground, then it would be a strike. He can't legally hit a ball that's already touched the ground.