Suicide Squeeze Meaning in Softball

A suicide squeeze is a high risk bunt play used to score a runner. The runner on third base starts sprinting toward home as the pitcher releases ball. The batter must lay down a bunt to protect the runner from being tagged. This play results in an out for the hitter if the bunt is successful. A runner dashes from third while the batter bunts a slow roller to first. The runner scores the winning run before the defense can react to the play. If the batter misses the bunt the runner is usually an easy out. This strategy requires perfect timing and total commitment from both the hitter and runner. Coaches use this aggressive tactic to steal a run in a very close game.