Batting Around
When a team sends more than nine batters to the plate in a single inning, meaning the lineup has cycled back to the leadoff hitter.
Example Usage
“They batted around in the fifth inning, scoring seven runs before recording three outs.”
Batting Around
Batting around means a team has sent every batter in the lineup to the plate in a single inning and cycled back around to someone who has already batted that inning.
The Definition Debate
There are two interpretations:
- Nine batters to the plate: The 9th batter comes up (strict definition)
- Ten batters to the plate: The lineup has fully cycled (common definition)
Most people use the second definition, when the leadoff hitter of the inning comes up for their second at-bat that inning.
What It Means
Batting around indicates:
- A big offensive inning
- Multiple baserunners
- Typically 4+ runs scored
- The pitching team is in trouble
- Possible pitching change
Famous Batting Around Moments
Some of baseball's biggest innings:
- The Boston Red Sox scored 17 runs in one inning (June 18, 1953)
- Teams have batted around multiple times in a single game
- Playoff games with huge innings
How It Happens
Teams bat around when:
- Consecutive hits pile up
- Walks extend innings
- Errors keep innings alive
- The pitcher loses command
- A rally builds momentum
The Experience
For the batting team: Electric energy For the pitching team: Long, painful walk to the mound for a pitching change
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