su*i*cide squeeze play
What Is The Definition Of Suicide Squeeze Play In Baseball?
1. In a squeeze play, the batter attempts a bunt with a runner on third base in the hopes that, while the batter will likely be thrown out at first, the runner may have a good chance to score. When the runner takes off as soon as the pitcher starts their motion towards home plate and before the ball is delivered, it’s called a suicide squeeze play. This is far riskier than a regular squeeze play, but it significantly increases the chance of scoring if the batter is able to at least make contact with the ball and put it on the ground.
It’s called a suicide squeeze play because the runner is basically committing “suicide”, or giving up a free out, if the batter is unable to make contact therefore getting easily gets tagged out at home plate.
Examples Of How Suicide Squeeze Play Is Used In Commentary
1. With the score tied with one out in the bottom of the ninth and with the quick Altuve on third, the Dodgers have to be aware of the potential suicide squeeze play at home plate.
SportsLingo Goes The Extra-Inch With The Meaning Of Suicide Squeeze Play
When executing a suicide squeeze play, there are a few important factors that both the baserunner and batter must execute.
For the baserunner, it’s vital that they get a decent lead off third base, but also making sure they don’t put themselves at risk of getting picked off. The baserunner must be aware of how far the third baseman is playing off the bag and be quick to jump off the delivery once they know that the pitcher is moving towards home plate. In addition, if there is less than two outs in the inning, the baserunner must freeze if the ball is hit in the air and has a chance to be caught by a defender. If so, the runner must quickly return to third base to avoid the double play.
For the batter, their only priority is to make contact with the ball and to put it on the ground. If the batter is unable to make contact, the baserunner will be tagged out at home plate. If they’re able to push the ball down either baseline and putting it further out of reach of the pitcher, that would execute the perfect suicide squeeze play.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Baseball
2. Softball