scratch hit

noun

, Baseball.

1. a batted ball, usually poorly hit, barely enabling the batter to reach base safely:

   a scratch hit off the end of the bat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scratch hit¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Neither side was able to tally, although a scratch hit put a Giant on first and a passed ball advanced him to second.

From Project Gutenberg

Not even a scratch hit had marred Joes wonderful performance, nor had he given a single base on balls.

From Project Gutenberg

Houghton, the Point catcher, got a scratch hit, and reached the first bag but died there when Mason struck out.

From Project Gutenberg

He made a valiant effort to profit by Post's scratch hit to shortstop but was easily thrown out at second.

From Project Gutenberg

A scratch hit to third followed by slow fielding took him safely to first.

From Project Gutenberg