Strikeout

A strikeout in baseball is a specific instance in which a batter fails to hit the ball pitched to them, leading to their removal from the batter's box and an out for their team. It happens when a batter accumulates three strikes during their turn at bat. A strike is counted when the batter swings and misses the ball, the batter does not swing at a pitch that crosses the strike zone, or the batter fouls off a pitch after having two strikes. Strikeouts are a fundamental aspect of the game, representing a pitcher's dominance and a batter's failure. They directly contribute to the flow and outcome of the game.

Strikeout meaning with examples

• The pitcher was on fire tonight, racking up an impressive nine strikeouts by the seventh inning. The opposing team's batters struggled to even make contact, their bats frequently missing the fastball. The crowd erupted with each strikeout, showcasing the pitcher's prowess on the mound. This display of pitching mastery gave the home team a considerable advantage, keeping the other side scoreless and frustrated.
• With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the tension was palpable. The count was full on the batter, and the next pitch would decide the game. He swung with all his might, but missed the breaking ball. Strikeout! The home team's chance at a comeback ended, and the visiting team celebrated their victory. It was a heartbreaking moment for the home crowd.
• The young rookie was known for his aggressive swing and his tendency to strikeout. He had a high strikeout rate, which meant he frequently found himself returning to the dugout after a missed swing. While he had promising power, his inability to make consistent contact was a clear weakness. The coaching staff was working with him to improve his plate discipline and reduce his strikeouts.
• The analyst pointed out the importance of limiting strikeouts to increase offensive production. A team that puts the ball in play more often has a higher chance of scoring runs. High strikeout rates indicate a lack of contact, and the team has no opportunity to score runs by fielding plays. The ability to put the ball in play makes it difficult to maintain a high batting average.