If a batter gets on base through hitting the ball so that fielders have no opportunity to successfully field it, the batter has recorded a base hit. On a base hit, the runner attempts to advance as many bases as possible without being put out. A base hit in which a batter get to first base is called a single; one in which the batter gets to second base is called a double; and one in which the batter gets to third base is called a triple. Apart from base hits and walks, batters are able to reach first base in a couple of ways. The most common are:
When the catcher interferes with the batter’s attempt to swing at the pitch;
When the batter is hit by a pitched ball;
When a fielder mishandles a ball hit in fair territory and the batter reaches bases safely as a result of the fielding mistake, known as an error;
When the catcher drops a third strike and the batter reaches first base before a fielder tags the base or the fielder.
A double play can be realized if fielders put two runners out in one play. As the runner attempts to advance from first base to second base, an infield gets the ball, steps on second base to force out the base runner, and quickly throws the ball to the player covering first base to put out the batter.