Less than 2 outs with a runner on 1st, you can't force that runner to advance on a strikeout. With 2 outs, everyone can advance a base, including the batter, even if 1B is occupied. If 1B is open it's a jailbreak and whatever happens happens. I may have left out some of the particulars.
It's not dumb. With a runner on first and less than 2 outs every catcher on every 3rd strike would purposely drop the ball, throw down to second and start a double play.
Ump ****ed him bigtime, Cole was into his leg raise before the ump decided to call time. That should not be acceptable.