A runner on second or third base is in scoring position because he is expected to score on a base hit to the outfield. A base hit results from a poorly struck ground ball that eludes the infielders. A bloodsucker. He's also a screamer.
When a runner is on second or third base in baseball or softball, they are said to be in scoring position. If a hitter hits a single, the runners on second or third base should have ample time to reach home plate and score. If the ball is hit into the outfield, the runners have no chance of scoring.
A batting lineup with one or more batters up at any given moment is called a loaded batting order. When a team puts more hitters on base than it can handle with men available off the bench, things can get ugly quickly. A team that finds itself in this situation will often try to pull its starter before he gets hurt. This reduces his exposure to tough pitches while giving his replacement some time to settle in.
In addition to putting more hitters on base, teams will often load the defense when they have a strong pitching staff. This gives their offense a break by reducing the number of times they have to face a pitcher after coming out of the batter's box. It can also give them someone else to turn to if one of their starters starts to run into trouble.
There are several ways for a batter to reach base during an inning. If a batter reaches base safely, the team has done its job as long as they don't advance him across the line. If they do, then there is no use in having them at the plate anymore.
When a base runner touches home plate after rounding all three bases (first, second, and third), he scores a run. If the batter hits the ball over the outfield fence in fair area, it is called a home run, and she receives a free trip around the bases until she touches home plate.
If the runner on third breaks for home, the ball can be cut off by the second baseman, or it can be let to travel through to second if the runner on third is staying put or the team simply utilizes the runner as a decoy. In this play, communication is critical. My teams used it quite well for all levels of practice.
A runner at first base will lean toward second base. This is known as "leading off." The runner will dash to second base when the pitcher begins his pitching action. He just has a few seconds to get there safely because as the ball reaches the catcher, the catcher will throw it as quickly as he can to the second baseman.
The purpose of this tactic is to confuse the batter by making him think there is more danger at first base than really there is. If the batter stays at first, the leadoff man may go to third base. If the batter hits a double, the leadoff man is able to come around to score. But if the batter doesn't hit anything but strikes out, the leadoff man goes back to first base.
So, leading off works best when the pitcher is not very good or when there are many bad pitches to hit. Also, runners tend to be safe at first base when they lead off, so the first baseman isn't forced into an impossible task of trying to stop them all from scoring.
There are two other ways to start a baseball game: with a runner on first base or no one on base. If the batter gets a hit, then either someone else will run or the baserunner will try to steal second base.
It's important to note that these are the only ways to start a baseball game and they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
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