Sacrifice Bunt
A bunt intentionally designed to advance a runner at the cost of the batter being thrown out, trading an out for better baserunner positioning.
Example Usage
“With a runner on second and no outs, the coach called for a sacrifice bunt to move her to third.”
Sacrifice Bunt
A sacrifice bunt is a strategic play where the batter intentionally bunts the ball to advance a baserunner, accepting that they will likely be thrown out at first base. The "sacrifice" is giving up your at-bat for team positioning.
When to Use Sacrifice Bunts
Traditional Situations
- Runner on second, no outs (move to third)
- Runner on first, no outs (move to second)
- Late in close games
- Weak hitters at the plate
- Need to manufacture one run
Factors to Consider
- Game situation and score
- Batter's ability
- Pitcher on deck
- Runner's speed
- Inning and outs
Sacrifice Bunt Technique
Setup
- Square around as pitch is released
- Bend knees, get low
- Bat at top of strike zone
- Angle bat toward target area
Execution
- Catch the ball with the bat
- Deaden the ball on contact
- Aim toward first or third base side
- Let slow rollers die in grass
Sacrifice Bunt Rules
Scoring Rules
- Does NOT count as an at-bat
- Does NOT affect batting average
- Runner must advance for sacrifice credit
- If batter reaches safely, no sacrifice
Official Scoring
- Scored as SAC or SH (sacrifice hit)
- Batter credited with RBI if run scores
- Counted separately from regular stats
Sacrifice Bunt Defense
Infielders defend by:
- Charging aggressively
- Corner players crash hard
- Middle infielders cover bases
- Quick bare-hand plays
Related Terms
Bunt
A batting technique where the batter holds the bat stationary in the hitting zone to make soft contact, typically to advance a runner or beat out for a hit.
Sacrifice Fly
A fly ball hit deep enough to allow a runner on third base to tag up and score after the catch, with the batter credited with an RBI but not charged with an at-bat.
Hit and Run
An offensive play where a baserunner takes off with the pitch while the batter is obligated to swing, trying to advance the runner and get a hit.
Small Ball
An offensive strategy focused on manufacturing runs through bunts, stolen bases, hit-and-runs, and moving runners rather than relying on home runs.
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