Objective of the Game
Baseball is played between two teams of 9 players each. The goal is to score runs by hitting the ball and advancing around four bases in order: first base, second base, third base, and home plate. A run is scored when a player successfully reaches home plate after touching all the other bases. The team with more runs after 9 innings wins the game.
Game Structure
A game consists of 9 innings
Each inning is divided into two halves
- In the top half, the visiting team is on offense (batting)
- In the bottom half, the home team is on offense
Each team continues to bat until three outs are made. Then the teams switch sides
Details
Scoring Runs
A player scores a run by hitting the ball and advancing safely around all four bases, returning to home plate.
Each time a player completes this circuit, one run is added to the team’s score.
Players can score by hitting the ball themselves or being advanced by teammates’ hits or plays.
Batting and Catching
The pitcher throws the ball from a mound towards the batter, aiming to get the batter out.
The batter tries to hit the ball and reach base safely.
The batter continues until:
- They hit the ball into fair territory and run,
- They are struck out,
- They are walked.
Balls and Strikes
A strike is a pitch in the strike zone that the batter swings at and misses, or doesn’t swing at but the umpire calls a strike.
A ball is a pitch outside the strike zone that the batter does not swing at.
If the batter receives three strikes, they are out (strikeout).
If the batter receives four balls, they are awarded a “walk” and advance to first base.
Ways a Batter or Runner Can Be Out
- Strikeout – Three strikes while batting.
- Fly Out – A fielder catches the ball before it hits the ground.
- Tag Out – A defensive player tags the runner with the ball while the runner is not on a base.
- Force Out – A defensive player with the ball touches a base before a forced runner arrives there.