Three-base hit (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: TRIPLE
Understanding the Triple
- In baseball terminology, a triple happens when the batter makes solid contact with the pitched ball, sending it to a gap in the outfield or along the baseline where fielders struggle to retrieve it quickly.
- The runner must sprint through first base, round second base, and slide safely into third base before the defense can make a play.
- This aggressive baserunning demonstrates both athletic ability and split-second decision-making.
Why Triples Are Exciting
- The three-base hit combines multiple elements that fans love: powerful hitting, aggressive baserunning, and often close plays at third base.
- Speedy players like Curtis Granderson and Jose Reyes have made careers partly on their ability to stretch doubles into triples.
- The play energizes the entire ballpark and puts the team in an excellent scoring position.
Tips for Solving Baseball Crossword Clues
- Look for number hints: Clues mentioning "three" or "third" often point toward triple-related answers in baseball contexts.
- Count the letters: The number in parentheses (6) tells you the answer length, helping narrow possibilities significantly.
- Consider synonyms: Baseball uses multiple terms for the same concept—"three-bagger" or "three-base knock" also mean triple.
- Think about context: Sports-themed crosswords frequently feature baseball terminology, especially during baseball season or in American publications.
- Remember the pattern: "X-base hit" clues almost always refer to singles, doubles, triples, or home runs based on the number mentioned.
Three-base hit (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is a triple called a "three-bagger" in baseball slang?
A: The term "bagger" comes from the bases being called "bags" in baseball vernacular. A three-bagger simply means the player touched three bags (bases) during their hit.
Q: Are triples more common in certain ballparks?
A: Yes, stadiums with larger outfields or unusual dimensions see more triples. Parks like Coors Field in Colorado and older stadiums with expansive outfield spaces produce higher triple counts.
Q: Who holds the record for most career triples?
A: Sam Crawford holds the all-time MLB record with 309 career triples, achieved during the early 1900s when ballparks were larger and outfield fences less common.
Q: Can a triple happen on an error?
A: No, if defensive errors allow the runner to reach third base, it's not officially scored as a triple. The play would be recorded as a single or double plus an error.
Q: Is a triple worth more than a home run in scoring?
A: No, while triples are more difficult and rarer, home runs automatically score at least one run. A triple requires another batter to drive the runner home.
