How to Score Baseball: The Book

A new book, How to Score Baseball: The Book, is now available. This book provides an easy-to-understand guide to keeping score at baseball games.

The Three Types of Scores

There are three types of scores in baseball: the out score, the run score, and the hit score. Each type of score has a different purpose and uses a different method to keep track of the game. The out score is used to keep track of the number of outs in the game. The run score is used to keep track of the number of runs scored in the game. The hit score is used to keep track of the number of hits in the game.

Runs

In baseball, the objective of the game is to score runs. A run is scored when a player safely reaches home plate after hitting the ball into play and touching all three bases, in order, called first, second and third base. A run is also scored when a player hits a home run, which is a hit that allows the batter to circle all four bases without stopping.

There are three types of scores in baseball: runs (R), earned runs (ER) and unearned runs (UR).

earned run is any run that would not have been scored without the aid of an error or a passed ball. An unearned run is charged to the pitcher when it is determined that he or she should have been able to prevent it from being scored. For example, if a pitcher gives up a home run with two outs and no one on base, that would be an unearned run since it would not have been possible to score without the benefit of the home run.

A run is only considered earned if it would have been scored without the aid of an error or passed ball by either team. If a runner reaches home plate as a result of an error or passed ball, it is still considered an earned run for purposes of calculating ERA.

Hits

Hits are if the batter hits the ball and it safely goes into play. If the ball is caught by the defense for an out, or thrown out by the defense, before it reaches the outfield, it is not a hit. A hit is worth one point.

Errors

An error is a play in which the defense misplays the ball so that a batter or baserunner is able to reach base or advance to the next base as a result. An error does not necessarily mean that the fielding player did something wrong — sometimes, it’s simply a matter of bad luck.

Reached on Error (ROE): A batter reaches first base as a result of an error.
Fielder’s Choice (FC): A baserunner advances one or more bases as a result of an error.
Batter’s Interference (BI): A batter is judged to have interfered with a play, typically by breaking up a double play.

How to Score a Run

In baseball, scoring a run happens when a player completes a full circuit around the four bases. This can happen in a number of ways, but the most common is when a batter hits the ball out of the park for a home run. It’s also possible to score by hitting a triple or a double and then running home, or by drawing a walk and then having other players on base hit the ball around the field.

Baserunner Reaches Home Plate

The baserunner scores a run and the inning is over. One run scores for each baserunner that reaches home plate safely before the third out is reached.

Baserunner is Forced Out

A baserunner is forced out when the batter hits the ball into play and the baserunner is unable to advance to the next base before a fielder touches the ball. The scorer will award the batter with a hit (H) and will charge the fielder who made the putout with an out (O) against their record. If there are other baserunners on base when this happens, they will be advanced one base as well.

Baserunner Scores on a Wild Pitch or Passed Ball

A baserunner scores on a wild pitch or passed ball when the catcher is unable to field the ball and the umpire judges that the baserunner would have been able to advance one base had the catcher been able to field the ball.

How to Score a Hit

A hit is scored when a batter reaches base safely by either hitting the ball into fair territory or by the defense committing an error. A hit is worth one run unless it is a home run. A home run is when the batter hits the ball over the outfield fence without the defense being able to catch it. A home run is worth two or more runs.

Batter Gets a Single

If the batter hits the ball and it falls within the foul lines between first and third base, or if he hits it and it bounces over the fence in fair territory, he gets a single. If there are already runners on base, they all advance one base.

Batter Gets a Double

The batter gets a double when he hits the ball and it bounces off the outfield fence.

Batter Gets a Triple

The batter gets a triple when he hits the ball and runs all the way to third base. This is not an easy feat, as the batter has to hit the ball hard enough and run fast enough to make it all the way to third base before the fielders can catch up to him. A triple is a very valuable hit, as it allows the batter to reach third base safely and gives his team a chance to score a run.

Batter Hits a Home Run

A home run is a hit in baseball where the batter scores around all the bases and comes home. This can be done by hitting the ball out of the park or by running the bases after hitting the ball. A home run is worth four points.

How to Score an Error

It seems simple enough. You have a pencil and a scorecard, and you know how to count. But what if the game is close, or you’re keeping score for the first time? Here are a few tips on how to score an error in baseball.

Fielder Makes an Error

The most common type of error is when a fielder makes a mistake while trying to play the ball. This could be anything from dropping a catch to misfielding the ball. If the fielder had a reasonable chance of making the play, then it is scored as an error. If the fielder had no realistic chance of making the play, then it is not scored as an error.

Batter Hits a Foul Ball

If a batter hits a foul ball, it is not a strike. The ball is still in play and the batter can still advance to first base if he is able to touch all four bases safely. A foul ball does not count as one of the batter’s three strikes, so he can still stay at bat until he either:
-Hits a fair ball
-Is called out on strikes
-Hits a fly ball that is caught by the defense