Making Outs on Defense

The defensive team’s main job is to get outs. An out can be made by catching a batted ball in the air, tagging a runner with the ball, or forcing a runner out by throwing the ball to a base before the runner arrives.

Pitchers and fielders must work together to make outs. Strong throwing, quick reactions, and good teamwork are key parts of successful defense.

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Getting On Base

Batters can reach base in several different ways. The most common way is by hitting the ball and running to first base before the defense can get them out. Batters can also reach base by drawing a walk or being hit by a pitched ball.

Once on base, players become base runners. Base runners can advance to the next base when the ball is hit, thrown, or caught. Smart base running can help a team score more runs.

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The BEST PLAYS down the line by Ball Crews in MLB during the 2025 season! 😯

Ball boys and ball girls shined a dazzling glove throughout the 2025 season.

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Balls, Strikes, and Strikeouts

Every time a batter faces a pitcher, the count begins at zero balls and zero strikes. A strike is called when the batter swings and misses or does not swing at a pitch that passes through the strike zone. A ball is called when the pitch is outside the strike zone and the batter does not swing.

If a batter receives four balls, they earn a walk and go to first base. If the batter gets three strikes, they are out. Understanding balls and strikes is one of the most important parts of baseball.

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How Innings Work

A standard baseball game is made up of nine innings. Each inning is divided into two halves: the top half and the bottom half. During the top half, the visiting team bats while the home team plays defense. In the bottom half, the teams switch roles.

Each team gets three outs per half-inning. Once three outs are made, that team’s turn at bat is over. If the game is tied after nine innings, extra innings are played to determine a winner.

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Differences in Minor League Levels of Play

Differences in levels of play in the minor leagues

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The Goal of Baseball

The goal of baseball is to score more runs than the opposing team. A run is scored when a player safely touches first base, second base, third base, and then home plate. Teams score runs by hitting the ball and running the bases without getting out. Every rule in baseball is designed around helping one team score runs while the other team tries to prevent it.

Baseball is played by two teams, usually with nine players on each side. One team plays offense by batting, while the other plays defense by fielding the ball. After three outs, the teams switch roles.

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