In baseball, a pitcher’s performance can be judged by the number of outs they get during a game. An out is the term used to refer to a batter being retired, or put out, in an inning. This can occur in a variety of ways, all of which count as an out and, in turn, help the pitcher’s team to score. This article explains what counts as an out for a pitcher and the various ways in which a pitcher can record an out.
Strikeouts
One of the most common ways that a pitcher can record an out is through a strikeout. A strikeout is when the pitcher throws three strikes to the batter, resulting in the batter being out. When the umpire declares a strikeout, the pitcher has officially recorded an out. The batter must swing at the ball and miss or not swing at the ball for it to be a strikeout.
Fly Ball Outs
Another way that a pitcher can record an out is through a fly ball out. This is when the batter hits a fly ball that is caught by an infielder or outfielder. The fielder must have complete control of the ball before it hits the ground for it to be counted as an out. If the fielder drops the ball or it bounces off of them, then the batter is not out and the play is continued.
Ground Ball Outs
Ground ball outs are another way that a pitcher can record an out. This is when the batter hits a ground ball that is caught by an infielder. The fielder must have complete control of the ball before it hits the ground for it to be counted as an out. If the fielder drops the ball or it bounces off of them, then the batter is not out and the play is continued.
Double Play Outs
A double play out is when two batters are put out in the same play. This typically occurs when a ground ball is hit and the fielder throws it to the base the runner is heading for. If the runner is not able to reach the base before the ball does, then both the runner and the batter are out.
Force Outs
A force out is when the runner is forced to run to the next base and is put out before they reach it. This can occur when the batter hits a ground ball and the fielder throws it to the base the runner is heading for. If the runner is not able to reach the base before the ball does, then they are out.
Tag Outs
A tag out occurs when the fielder tags the runner with the ball in their hand. This typically happens when the runner is trying to steal a base or when the runner is caught off of the base. The fielder must have control of the ball in their hand in order for it to count as an out.
Sacrifice Outs
A sacrifice out is when the batter hits a ball that is caught by an infielder or outfielder, but the batter is out instead of the runner on base. This typically happens when the runner is trying to reach the next base, but the fielder catches the ball before the runner is able to reach it.
Conclusion
In baseball, a pitcher’s performance can be judged by the number of outs they get during a game. An out is the term used to refer to a batter being retired, or put out, in an inning. This article has explained what counts as an out for a pitcher and the various ways in which a pitcher can record an out. These include strikeouts, fly ball outs, ground ball outs, double play outs, force outs, tag outs, and sacrifice outs. Knowing these different ways in which a pitcher can record an out can help them to improve their performance and help their team to score.