Hitting Approach with a Runner on Third Base

When you are in the batter’s box and there is a runner on third base, it is up to you to drive him in. If there are two outs, your task can be a little harder. The only way you can score him (he can still score on mistakes by the other team) is with a base hit. Getting your teammate home is a lot easier with less than two outs. 

There are three things to avoid that hurt your chances when your team has less than two outs – not counting striking out, which you should always stay away from. They include hitting a ground ball to the third baseman, hitting a ground ball back to the pitcher or popping out to any infielder.  All three of these will keep the runner at third. 

These situations can become similar to a sacrifice bunt. You are sacrificing yourself to score the run. You should be willing to hit a ground ball to the second baseman or a fly ball to the left fielder. This will help your team score and that is what matters in baseball.

Now, it is easier for me to write this than for it to actually happen every time you are up in this situation, but that is why it is important for you to have a plan when you step in the batter’s box. 

If you are a left handed hitter, you should be looking for a pitch down the middle or inside. A left hander should be able to hit this pitch up the middle or to the right side of the field and allow the runner to score. 

If you are a right handed hitter, you should be looking for a pitch down the middle or away. As a righty, you are also looking to hit the pitch up the middle or to the right side of the field and these are the pitches to swing at. 

A third type of pitch, no matter if you are left or right handed, is a pitch you can hit to the outfield.  With less than two outs, a pitch hit to the outfield will give the runner at third an opportunity to try to score after the out is recorded. 

The most important stat in baseball is runs scored and you have to try and add to your total whenever possible. As a hitter, driving runs home, even when you get out, makes you a better player and a better teammate.

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