A sac hit is a type of hit in baseball that occurs when a batter sacrifices himself or his teammates to advance a runner. Sac hits are an important part of the game, as they give teams an opportunity to score runs without needing to rely solely on base hits. In this article, we will discuss what counts as a sac hit, the different types of sac hits, and how they can be used strategically.
Definition of a Sac Hit
A sac hit is defined as any batted ball that advances a runner at least one base while the batter is put out. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as a bunt, a ground ball, or a pop fly. A sac hit is credited to the batter, and is not considered an at-bat, meaning that it does not count towards the batter’s batting average.
Types of Sac Hits
Sacrifice Bunt: A sacrifice bunt is a bunt that is placed intentionally in order to sacrifice the batter in order to advance a runner. This is the most common type of sac hit, as it is the most effective way to move a runner up.
Sacrifice Fly: A sacrifice fly is a fly ball that is hit deep enough for a runner on base to tag up and advance one base. The batter is credited with a sac hit, even though the ball is caught in the outfield.
Sacrifice Line Drive: A sacrifice line drive is a line drive that is hit deep enough for a runner on base to tag up and advance one base. The batter is credited with a sac hit, even though the ball is caught in the infield.
Sacrifice Ground Ball: A sacrifice ground ball is a ground ball that is hit to the left side of the infield in order to move a runner up a base. The batter is credited with a sac hit, even though the ball is caught in the infield.
Strategic Uses of Sac Hits
Sac hits can be used strategically in order to score runs. They can be used to move a runner up a base, to score a runner from third base, or to set up a double play. Sac hits can also be used to put pressure on the defense and to disrupt their rhythm.
Inning-Ending Sac Hits: Inning-ending sac hits are sac hits that are used to end an inning without allowing the defense to make a play. This can be done by bunting with two strikes and no balls, or by hitting a ground ball or fly ball deep enough for a runner to tag up and advance a base.
Leadoff Sac Hits: Leadoff sac hits are sac hits that are used to start an inning with a runner in scoring position. This can be done by bunting with two strikes and no balls, or by hitting a ground ball or fly ball deep enough for a runner to tag up and advance a base.
Sacrifice Bunts in the Late Innings: Sacrifice bunts can be used in the late innings of a game to move a runner up a base or to set up a double play. This can be a risky move, as the sacrifice bunt can lead to an out, which can be costly in a close game.
Sacrifice Bunts with Two Strikes: Sacrifice bunts with two strikes can be used to move a runner up a base or to set up a double play. This can be a risky move, as the bunt can lead to an out, which can be costly in a close game.
Sacrifice Flies in the Late Innings: Sacrifice flies can be used in the late innings of a game to move a runner up a base or to score a run. This can be a risky move, as the fly ball can be caught in the outfield and the runner can be thrown out at the plate.
Double Play Sac Hits: Double play sac hits are sac hits that are used to move a runner up a base and to set up a double play. This can be a risky move, as the sac hit can lead to an out, which can be costly in a close game.
Sac Hits with Two Outs: Sac hits with two outs can be used to move a runner up a base or to score a run. This can be a risky move, as the sac hit can lead to an out, which can be costly in a close game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sac hits are an important part of the game of baseball. They give teams an opportunity to score runs without relying solely on base hits, and can be used strategically to put pressure on the defense or to set up double plays. Sac hits can be done in a variety of ways, such as a bunt, a ground ball, or a pop fly, and can be used in the late innings of a game to move a runner up a base or to score a run.