latebunt

Latebunt, often written as late bunt, is a descriptive term used in baseball to describe bunting a pitched ball late in an at-bat or late in a game. It is not a formal term in the official rules, but a common way to discuss strategic bunting in commentary and analyses.

Usage and purpose

A late bunt is typically employed in late innings or during a late count in order to influence the game state. The primary aims are to advance a runner into scoring position with minimal risk, or to try for a bunt hit when the batter has found a favorable count or a surprising opportunity. Common situations include a runner on second or third with one out or fewer, where the bunt can facilitate a sacrifice and bring in a run, or a carefully placed bunt for a base hit to disrupt the defense.

Strategy and risk

Bunting late in the game requires precision and situational judgment. The batter must place the ball in the infield while avoiding an easy double play, and fielders must react quickly to cover first base. The main risk is recording an out without achieving the desired advancement or hit, which can reduce run expectancy, especially in a close game.

Related plays

Sacrifice bunts and squeeze bunts are related concepts. A squeeze bunt is often used with a runner on third to score a run, while a sacrifice bunt aims mainly to move runners into scoring position. A bunt for a base hit is a more aggressive, lower-percentage option that may be used in late-game situations.

Analytics and usage

Modern sabermetrics have tempered the frequency of late bunts, favoring higher-percentage plays when run expectancy indices justify them. Nevertheless, late bunts remain a strategic tool for certain managers in specific game contexts.