Definition

Noun A baseball game in which the pitcher for one team permits batters from the opposing team to achieve only three hits (safe bases reached by batting the ball) throughout the entire game. It is a measure of pitching dominance.

Usage

The term "3-hitter" is used specifically in baseball statistics and commentary to describe the quality of a pitcher's performance in a single, complete game. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• The rookie pitcher threw a complete game 3-hitter to lead his team to victory.
• Her impressive 3-hitter last night lowered her season earned run average significantly.
• The manager praised the veteran for his masterful 3-hitter against a powerful lineup.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often preceded by adjectives like "complete-game," "masterful," or "impressive" to further qualify the achievement.
• It is frequently used in sports journalism and broadcast commentary. For example: "He's flirting with a no-hitter through six innings... and he settles for a stellar 3-hitter."

Variants and Related Words

• No-hitter: A game in which a pitcher allows zero hits.
• One-hitter: A game in which a pitcher allows only one hit.
• Two-hitter: A game in which a pitcher allows only two hits.
• Perfect game: A game in which a pitcher faces the minimum 27 batters, allowing no hits, walks, or any baserunners.

Synonyms

• Three-hit game (a less common, more descriptive synonym).

Noun

1. a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only 3 hits