Unlike football and basketball, which run set offensive plays where everyone involved has a specific responsibility, baseball has far fewer such opportunities for creativity. Usually the contest in each inning is between the batter and the pitcher, and sometimes the pitcher's teammates in the field. Once runners get on base, the opportunities for more plays in baseball open up. There are some offensive and defensive plays that always make the game more interesting.
Hit and Run
This is one of the basic plays in baseball and is meant to advance a runner already on first base, and possibly avoid a double play. In a hit and run, the runner on first takes off for second when the pitcher begins his delivery. The goal is for the batter to swing and put the ball in play. Because the runner is headed for second base, the second baseman or the shortstop will move toward second base, creating a gap on the right or left side of the infield. If the ball is hit safely into the outfield, the runner has a greater chance of advancing at least to third base because he already is running. A hit and run also can be done with runners on first and second, but the manager needs to have confidence that the batter will make contact.
Double Steal
With runners on first and second and less than two outs, a double steal can be a great way to confuse the defense and get runners in scoring position. To execute it perfectly, the batter should fake a bunt as the two runners take off to their next bases simultaneously. With the batter appearing to bunt, the third baseman will likely come in, often leaving third base uncovered. The first baseman also might come in and the second baseman will likely move to cover first, sometimes leaving second base uncovered or leaving it covered by the shortstop.
Squeeze Play
The squeeze play is one of the most exciting plays in baseball because its goal is to get a runner to score from third base. With a runner on third base and less than two outs, a batter will square around to bunt. The runner will "cheat" down the line and if the batter can lay down a good bunt, the runner will sprint home with hopes of not being tagged out. Another version of the squeeze play is the "suicide squeeze," in which the runner takes off for home before the pitcher has released the ball. The runner is counting on the batter to make contact, because if the ball is not put in play, the runner from third is likely to be called out as the catcher will most likely have the ball before the runner reaches home.
Double and Triple Plays
These are defensive plays that can save a team's inning and there are several ways they can happen. For example, when a player is on first base and the batter hits the ball on the ground in the infield, the fielders can get a force out at second by throwing to a fielder who touches second base before the runner does and then throws the ball to a fielder who touches first base before the batter gets there for the second out of the double play. A similar play with two runners on base and where the fielders get three force outs is called a triple play. A fielder also can catch a line drive in the air and tag a runner for a double play.
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