left on base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left on base" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a sports context, particularly baseball, to refer to a player who has not advanced to the next base when the inning ends. Example: "The team lost the game, and several players were left on base, missing opportunities to score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Five of those batters were left on base, and one was wiped out in a double play.

The New York Times - Sports

After allowing four hits and three runs — one of the base runners he left on base in the seventh scored on Wright's error — Martinez had his E.R.A. dropped to 5.79, and his record is now a rather modest 3-3.

The New York Times - Sports

But Lucroy was stranded, one of only three Angels runners left on base.

Los Angeles Times

The No. 2-7 hinthes in the lineup went a combined one for 20, with six strikeouts and 10 runners left on base.

Los Angeles Times

Sanchez, who went one for four with two strikeouts and two runners left on base, stayed in the game and San Francisco would go on to load the bases with one out, but Buster Posey grounded into an inning-ending double play to squelch the rally.

Los Angeles Times

Men left on base.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The next batter strikes out, leaving you "stranded," or left-on-base (LOB).

Huffington Post

Using glue or tape, attach the flowers to the thicker strips that you left on the base (the stems).

WikiHow

They left 11 on base.

The New York Times - Sports

Kansas City left 12 on base.

The New York Times - Sports

The White Sox had a season-high 14 hits and left 15 on base.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing baseball statistics, use "left on base" to clearly indicate the number of runners who did not score during an inning or game. Be mindful of the context and ensure that the audience understands the term's significance in evaluating a team's offensive performance.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a high number of runners "left on base" automatically indicates poor offensive performance. It could also mean the team is getting many players on base, which is a positive sign. Always consider the context and other relevant statistics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left on base" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a baseball term, that quantifies the number of runners who did not score in an inning. Ludwig confirms the usability of this sports term, as demonstrated in its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left on base" is a common term in baseball that describes the number of runners who fail to score during an inning. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from reputable news sources. A high number of runners "left on base" can indicate a team's struggle to capitalize on scoring opportunities, but it's important to consider other factors, such as the number of runners who reached base in the first place. Alternative phrases, such as "stranded on base", can be used to add variety to your writing, but "left on base" remains the most widely recognized and statistically relevant term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stranded on base

Focuses on the feeling of being stuck and unable to advance.

runners left stranded

Emphasizes the state of the runners and their unfulfilled potential.

men left aboard

Uses "men" instead of "runners", creating a slightly more formal tone.

runners not brought home

Highlights the failure to score the runners.

bases left unoccupied

Shifts the focus to the missed opportunity of having runners on base.

runners failed to score

Directly states the outcome of the runners not scoring.

opportunities squandered on base

Highlights the wasted scoring chances.

runners marooned on the basepaths

Uses a stronger, more descriptive term like "marooned" to emphasize isolation.

hitters failing to drive in runners

Focuses on the batters' responsibility for not scoring the runners.

scoring chances left unfulfilled

Abstracts the situation to the general concept of unfulfilled scoring opportunities.

FAQs

How is "left on base" abbreviated in baseball statistics?

In baseball statistics, "left on base" is commonly abbreviated as LOB.

What does it mean when a player is "stranded on base"?

Being "stranded on base" is synonymous with being "left on base", meaning the player didn't score before the end of the inning.

How does leaving runners "left on base" affect a team's performance?

Consistently leaving runners "left on base" can indicate a team's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, potentially leading to fewer runs and losses.

Is there a difference between "runners left on base" and "men left on base"?

The terms "runners left on base" and "men left on base" are generally interchangeable in baseball terminology and refer to the same statistic.