What happens if a batter accidentally hits the catcher after swinging but missing?

When a batter swings and misses but unintentionally makes contact with the catcher, the correct ruling is that one strike is added to the batter's count. This occurs because the swing was an attempt to hit the ball, and the contact with the catcher does not change the intent or outcome of the swing itself.

In this situation, it is important to understand that the rule prioritizes the action of the swing and not the incidental contact. The batter is penalized by adding a strike since they did not successfully hit the ball. This rule ensures that players remain accountable in their efforts to hit the ball while maintaining the flow of the game.

The other choices relate to different contexts within the game or scenarios that do not apply to the situation where a batter accidentally contacts the catcher after a swing and miss.