Squeeze play (baseball)
Template:Short description In baseball, the squeeze play or a squeeze bunt is a maneuver consisting of a sacrifice bunt with a runner on third base. The batter bunts the ball, expecting to be thrown out at first base, but providing the runner on third base an opportunity to score. Such a bunt is most common with one out.<ref name=bp>Template:Cite web</ref> According to Baseball Almanac, the squeeze play was invented in 1894 by George Case and Dutch Carter during a college game at Yale University.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In a safety squeeze, the runner at third takes a lead, but does not run towards home plate until the batter makes contact bunting. A play at home plate is possible. <ref name=bp/>
In a suicide squeeze, the runner takes off as soon as the pitcher begins the windup to throw the pitch, and before releasing the ball.<ref name="bp"/> If properly executed, and the batter bunts the ball nearly anywhere in fair territory on the ground, a play at home plate is extremely unlikely.<ref name=nyt>Template:Cite web</ref> However, if the batter misses the ball the runner will likely be tagged out, and if the batter pops the ball up a double play is likely.<ref name=nyt/>
These plays are often used in the late innings of a close game to score a tying, winning, or insurance run.<ref name=nyt/> A pitcher's typical defense against a squeeze play, if he sees the batter getting into position to attempt a bunt, is to throw a high pitch that is difficult to bunt on the ground.<ref name=nyt/>