Sacrifice Fly
Also known as: sac fly
A sacrifice fly is a fly ball out, hit deep enough to the outfield. It allows a runner on third base to tag up and score after the catch. It does not count as an official at-bat and does not hurt the hitter's batting average.
The rules treat a sacrifice fly differently from a normal out specifically because it produces a run for the team. That is true even though the hitter didn't reach base. To qualify, there must be a runner on third with fewer than two outs. The ball must be caught in the air deep enough that the runner can tag up and score after the catch. If there are already two outs, or the ball isn't hit deep enough for the runner to score. It is scored as a normal fly-ball out instead.
Because a sacrifice fly doesn't count as an official at-bat, it has no negative effect on batting average. That removes any statistical disincentive for a hitter in that spot. With a runner on third and fewer than two outs, they can intentionally try to hit the ball deep in the air. Coaches often specifically teach hitters to prioritize getting the ball airborne in that exact situation, even at some cost to their pull-side power approach. The outcome directly scores a run regardless of whether it falls for a hit.
Example
With a runner on third and one out, a hitter lifts a fly ball to medium-deep center field. The runner tags and scores easily after the catch. The hitter is credited with a sacrifice fly, not an at-bat.
Why it matters
Knowing that a sacrifice fly doesn't count against batting average removes any hesitation. A hitter can intentionally hit the ball in the air to score a run when the situation calls for it.
Common mistakes
- Trying to pull the ball for extra power in a sacrifice fly situation instead of simply getting it up and deep enough for the runner to tag and score.
- Not recognizing the situation (runner on third, fewer than two outs) and swinging for a ground-ball base hit instead of a fly ball.
Frequently asked questions
Does a sacrifice fly count as an at-bat?
No — it is specifically excluded from at-bats, so it has no effect on batting average, even though it produces an RBI.
What happens if the fly ball isn't deep enough for the runner to score?
It is simply scored as a regular fly-ball out and does count as an at-bat, since it did not accomplish the sacrifice.
Related terms
- Situational HittingSituational hitting is matching a hitter's approach to the count, outs, and runners. Swing decisions, target, and aggressiveness change rather than staying fixed.
- Productive OutA productive out is an out that still helps the team. It might advance a runner, score a run, or move a runner into scoring position.
- RBI OpportunityAn RBI (run batted in) opportunity is a plate appearance with a runner in scoring position (second or third base). The hitter has a real chance to drive in a run.
- Tag UpTagging up means a baserunner returns to and touches their current base as a fly ball is caught, then takes off toward the next base — the legal method of advancing on a caught fly.
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