a safety squeeze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a safety squeeze" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of baseball to describe a play where a runner on third base attempts to score while the batter bunts the ball, ensuring the runner's safety. Example: "In the bottom of the ninth, the coach called for a safety squeeze to bring the winning run home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Lucroy lays down a safety squeeze bunt.

The New York Times

He nudged a high-and-inside pitch up the first-base line for a safety squeeze.

The New York Times - Sports

Betting that they wouldn't, the Toronto Blue Jays deployed a safety squeeze to score the tying run in the ninth inning against the Yankees on April 19, and the Rangers used a hybrid — call it a late-breaking suicide squeeze — on Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

The next batter, the second baseman John McDonald, batting from the right side, had to deal with a tough middle-high pitch but still got his bat up enough to tap a little bunt up the first-base side on a safety squeeze, and Bautista scored.

The New Yorker

Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar hit a two-run, lead-changing home run in the sixth against C. C. Sabathia; scored on a safety squeeze in the eighth; then, after the Yankees had drawn to within a run in the eighth, knocked in two insurance runs with a lucky double in the ninth — his ball went in Andruw Jones's glove and then out of it for the second time in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

The Cubs capitalized when Garcia blew a play on a safety squeeze by Hendricks.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The winning play, in the bottom of the ninth Friday, was a safety-squeeze bunt that went for a single by the pinch-hitter Carlos Guillen.

The New York Times - Sports

Later, with one out in the eighth, Johnny Giavotella tripled to left field but was thrown out on a subsequent safety squeeze attempt.

Los Angeles Times

With one out and runners on first and third in the sixth, La Russa probably briefly visualized a Carpenter-initiated safety squeeze.

The New York Times

Miguel Cairo's safety squeeze after Jason Frasor walked the bases loaded in the 10th inning Monday night lifted the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 victoverover the host Toronto Blue Jays.

The New York Times

Gott fielded Kurt Suzuki's safety squeeze and threw to the plate to get Plouffe, then struck out Eduardo Escobar to end the inning.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing baseball plays, use "a safety squeeze" to specifically denote a bunt intended to safely score a runner from third base, where the runner only goes when the batter makes contact with the ball. Use "squeeze play" as a more generic term.

Common error

Don't use "a safety squeeze" interchangeably with "suicide squeeze". In a suicide squeeze, the runner starts towards home plate before the batter bunts, making it a riskier play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a safety squeeze" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a specific baseball play. For example, "Lucroy lays down a safety squeeze bunt."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a safety squeeze" is a noun phrase primarily used in baseball to describe a specific play designed to score a runner from third base. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, especially in sports reporting. While it's not a very common phrase, it's well-understood within the context of baseball. When writing about baseball, using "a safety squeeze" accurately will enhance clarity and precision, avoiding confusion with similar strategies like the suicide squeeze. Remember to reserve this term for plays where the runner's safety is prioritized, and the runner only goes when contact is made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squeeze play

Shorter, more common term for the same baseball tactic.

safety bunt

Focuses on the bunting aspect of the play for safety.

suicide squeeze

A more aggressive version where the runner breaks for home before the bunt.

successful squeeze play

Highlights the success of the action.

strategic bunt

Highlights the tactical aspect of the bunt.

game-winning squeeze

Highlights the importance in the game.

scoring play

General term for any play that results in a run.

well-executed bunt

Emphasizes the quality of the bunt itself.

small ball

Describes a strategy focused on advancing runners and scoring runs using methods other than power hitting.

a bunt for a run

Describing the intention of the bunt.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "a safety squeeze" in baseball?

The purpose of "a safety squeeze" in baseball is to score a runner from third base by having the batter bunt the ball, ensuring the runner only attempts to score if the bunt is successful.

How does "a safety squeeze" differ from a suicide squeeze?

In "a safety squeeze", the runner waits until the batter makes contact with the ball before breaking for home. In a suicide squeeze, the runner starts for home before the pitch, relying on the batter to bunt the ball regardless of the pitch location.

Can I use "squeeze play" instead of "a safety squeeze"?

"Squeeze play" is a broader term that encompasses both "a safety squeeze" and suicide squeeze. "A safety squeeze" is a specific type of "squeeze play".

What are some other baseball strategies similar to "a safety squeeze"?

Other similar baseball strategies include "sacrifice bunt" (advancing a runner), hit and run, and stealing bases. These are all examples of "small ball" tactics.