scratch hit

noun

, Baseball.

a batted ball, usually poorly hit, barely enabling the batter to reach base safely:
a scratch hit off the end of the bat.

First recorded in 1915–20

Neither side was able to tally, although a scratch hit put a Giant on first and a passed ball advanced him to second.

Not even a scratch hit had marred Joes wonderful performance, nor had he given a single base on balls.

Houghton, the Point catcher, got a scratch hit, and reached the first bag but died there when Mason struck out.

He made a valiant effort to profit by Post's scratch hit to shortstop but was easily thrown out at second.

A scratch hit to third followed by slow fielding took him safely to first.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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