What does the term “sacrifice fly” imply in terms of base running?

The term “sacrifice fly” refers to a specific play in baseball where a batter hits a fly ball to the outfield, which is caught by a fielder, but allows a base runner to tag up and advance to the next base, typically scoring a run. The crucial aspect of a sacrifice fly is that while the batter is recorded as being out, the play is strategically beneficial as it enables a runner to advance, often resulting in a score. This nuance is key to understanding the play, as it illustrates how the rules of base running and batting interact to facilitate scoring opportunities.

In this context, the definition revolves around the dynamics of base running, emphasizing that a runner can indeed advance while the batter is declared out. This reflects the strategic nature of the game, where sacrifices are sometimes made for the betterment of the team’s chance to score. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a sacrifice fly; for example, a run can score during this play, and while the batter does not reach first base safely, the focus is on the advancement of the runner, not the batter’s ability to achieve a hit.