What is a defensive out in baseball?

In baseball, a defensive out is any play made by the fielding team that results in an out. This can include a variety of different types of plays, such as:

  1. Groundout: When a batter hits the ball on the ground and a fielder successfully fields the ball and throws it to first base before the runner can reach the base.
  2. Flyout: When a batter hits the ball in the air and a fielder catches it before it lands.
  3. Lineout: When a batter hits a line drive that is caught by a fielder before it hits the ground.
  4. Popout: When a batter hits a high, arcing ball that is caught by a fielder before it lands.
  5. Forceout: When a fielder touches a base with the ball before the runner reaches the base, resulting in an out.
  6. Tagout: When a fielder tags a runner with the ball before the runner reaches a base, resulting in an out.
  7. Strikeout: When a batter swings and misses three times or is called out by the umpire for not swinging at a pitch in the strike zone.

Overall, a defensive out is any play made by the fielding team that results in an out and ends the offensive team’s turn at bat.