scratch hit

noun

Baseball.

1. a batted ball, usually poorly hit, barely enabling the batter to reach base safely.

   a scratch hit off the end of the bat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scratch hit¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

After giving up a scratch hit to leadoff man David Fletcher, Smyly struck out Mike Trout, retired Anthony Rendon on a flyball and fanned Justin Upton to end the first inning.

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"If J.J. isn't making the play, then no one's making the play," said Tillman, who lamented his four walks more than that one scratch hit.

Read more on Seattle Times

He faced only eleven batters, pitched only nine balls, fanned four, yielded one measly scratch hit.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive

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

Read more on Project Gutenberg

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

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