SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/base-ground-out

On a ground ball, how does the defense usually get the batter out?

Throw to first base or step on it before the batter gets there.

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  1. Tag home plate
  2. Catch it on one bounce
  3. Throw to or step on first base ✔

Why: On a groundout, a fielder records the out by throwing to first base or stepping on it before the batter arrives. Catching a ball after a bounce never makes an out by itself.

Huh, didn't know that: Many pitchers try for ground balls because they rarely turn into extra base hits.

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Why did the ground ball apologize? It was feeling a little down.
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References

Answer: Throw to or step on first base. On a groundout, a fielder records the out by throwing to first base or stepping on it before the batter arrives. Catching a ball after a bounce never makes an out by itself.

  1. MLB Glossary: Groundout www.mlb.com/glossary/standard-stats/groundout
    who records an out by throwing to or stepping on first base
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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