Arlington, Virginia
Number of Hits

 

Answer to Sidebar Question:

Maximum number of hits in a half inning without a run scoring is six.  (See note on corrected explanation far below)

An Explanation: First batter singles.  Second batter singles.  Third batter singles.   Fourth batter hits a fair ball which strikes the runner coming down from third base.  That runner is out and batter is credited with a hit (number 4 for the inning - one out).  Fifth batter singles, but the ball strikes the runner at third in fair territory.  That runner is out and batter is credited with a hit (number 5 for the inning - two outs).  Sixth batter singles, and ball hits fourth batter (in front of shortstop) trying to move from second to third (hit number 6 - three outs).   Three outs on six hits and no runs.

There were 77 responses distributed as in the figure to the right.

 Hits Without a Score
 
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Following is the Original (and Incorrect) Explanation:

There are several ways this can happen.  Consider one:  First batter singles.  Second batter singles.  Third batter singles.   Fourth batter singles.  First batter thrown out at the plate.  Fifth batter singles.  Second batter thrown out at the plate.  Six batter singles, and ball hits fourth batter (in front of shortstop) trying to move from second to third.   Three outs on six hits and no runs.

 

What is Wrong with This Explanation:

Whenever a forced runner is out due to the force, the batter is credited with a Fielder's Choice and not with a Hit.

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