hit a batter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit a batter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of baseball to describe a situation where a pitcher accidentally throws a pitch that strikes a batter. Example: "The pitcher was ejected from the game after he intentionally hit a batter in the eighth inning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He also hit a batter.

The New York Times - Sports

He walked two and hit a batter.

The New York Times - Sports

He also hit a batter and threw a wild pitch.

The New York Times

But he did not hit a batter all season.

The New York Times

He struck out two, walked one and hit a batter.

The New York Times - Sports

He made a throwing error and hit a batter, too.

The New York Times - Sports

He also hit a batter and threw two wild pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

He struck out four, walked none and hit a batter.

The New York Times - Sports

He walked one, hit a batter and struck out two.

The New York Times - Sports

Zito struck out six, walked six and hit a batter.

The New York Times - Sports

Aceves hit a batter, loading the bases before Jackson's winning hit.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about baseball, use "hit a batter" to clearly describe when a pitcher's throw strikes the batter. Ensure the context specifies whether the hit was intentional or accidental.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating if the pitcher intentionally or unintentionally "hit a batter". Omission can lead to misinterpretations about the pitcher's conduct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit a batter" functions as a verb phrase, specifically describing an action performed by a pitcher in baseball. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a common and acceptable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hit a batter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase in baseball contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It describes the action of a pitcher's throw striking the batter. While primarily found in News & Media sources, its register is generally neutral. Alternatives include "plunk a batter" or "strike a batter". When using this phrase, clarity about the intentionality of the act is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plunk a batter

Uses slang term "plunk" instead of "hit".

strike a batter

Replaces "hit" with "strike", maintaining a similar meaning.

beaned a batter

Uses the informal term "beaned" for hitting a batter in the head.

hit by pitch

Changes the phrasing to describe the outcome from the batter's perspective.

hit the batsman

Replaces "batter" with "batsman", a term used in cricket.

pitch hit batter

Reorders the words to emphasize the pitch.

hit a player

Replaces "batter" with "player", broadening the scope.

threw at a batter

Focuses on the action of throwing and the target.

nailed a batter

Uses a more forceful verb, "nailed", to describe hitting the batter.

cause HBP (hit by pitch)

Uses abbreviation and focuses on baseball stats.

FAQs

How is the phrase "hit a batter" used in baseball contexts?

The phrase "hit a batter" describes an instance where a pitcher's thrown ball strikes the opposing batter during a baseball game. It's a common event that can result in the batter being awarded first base.

What's a more informal way to say "hit a batter"?

Informally, you might say the pitcher "plunked a batter" or "beaned a batter", especially if the batter was hit in the head.

Is there a statistic related to how often a pitcher "hits a batter"?

Yes, "hit by pitch" (HBP) is a common baseball statistic that tracks how many times a pitcher hits opposing batters during their appearances.

What are the consequences of intentionally "hitting a batter" in baseball?

Intentionally hitting a batter can lead to warnings, fines, or even ejection from the game for the pitcher and potentially the manager.