scoring position, in

Idioms  

1. About to succeed, as in The publisher is in scoring position with that instant book about the trial. This term comes from sports, where it signifies being in a spot where scoring is likely. In baseball it refers to a situation in which a runner is on second or third base. The figurative use of the term dates from the second half of the 1900s.

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Example Sentences

After that, only one other baserunner even reached scoring position in what was Yamamoto’s fifth start this season of at least seven innings and no more than one run.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2025

They are one for 25 with runners in scoring position in their two games in St. Louis.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2025

It was their only hit with a runner in scoring position in the entire game.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2024

The Phillies team that bashed homers at a record pace against Miami and Atlanta never cashed in back home, finishing 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position in Game 7.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

The Brewers had seven hits and went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position in their first loss since Aug. 17.

From Washington Times • Aug. 30, 2023