Hit and run
Hit and run is the act of hitting an object with a vehicle and leaving the location of the incident. This act is considered illegal in some places. The usual reason for the leaving of the scene is to evade capture by the police.
See also: Road rage, Vehicular homicide
Hit and run is also a play in baseball where the baserunners are put in motion before the ball is hit. Usually this is employed when fast runners are on base and a good contact hitter is at the plate. Hit and run plays can result in a runner going from first to third on a single, or even scoring from first on a single or double. Another goal of a hit and run is to open up holes in the infield for the batter to hit the ball through, since either the shortstop or second baseman will have to cover second base when they see the runner moving.
Hit and run plays work well for teams without many power hitters in the lineup, as they may have to "manufacture runs" this way on occasion.
The batter should make an attempt to make contact when the runner is in motion, since failure to do so may result in the runner being caught stealing. Also, if a hit ball is caught by a fielder while the runners are in motion (making an out in the process), a double play—or, in much rarer instances, a triple play—can be made. On the other hand, the hit and run can help avoid the double play, as the runner on first will have a chance to beat the throw to second.
In the rare circumstance that a hit and run is executed with a bunt, it is called a bunt and run.
A related play is the less formal run and hit, similar to the hit and run, except with a fast runner on first base who is capable of stealing. The batter is given the option of hitting, with prior knowledge that the runner will be moving with the pitch. This differs from a straight steal in that the batter is encouraged to swing, instead of being prevented from swinging.
