three-hitter
Noun: A baseball game in which the pitcher for one team permits batters from the opposing team to achieve only three hits (safe base hits) throughout the entire game. It is a measure of pitching dominance.
The term is used specifically in baseball statistics and commentary to describe the quality of a pitcher's performance in a single, complete game. - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a three-hitter, two three-hitters this season). - It is typically preceded by an article (a, the) or a number. - It often appears in post-game summaries, sports headlines, and statistical records.
- The rookie pitcher threw a three-hitter in his major league debut.
- Her complete-game three-hitter led the team to a 2-0 victory.
- It was his third three-hitter of the season, showcasing his consistent control.
- The term can be part of a compound adjective when modifying nouns like "game" or "performance," though the core term remains "three-hitter."
- He pitched a three-hitter game against their rivals.
- In historical or comparative contexts, it can be used with qualifiers.
- That legendary three-hitter from the 1998 playoffs is still talked about today.
- Two-hitter: A game with only two hits allowed.
- One-hitter: A game with only one hit allowed.
- No-hitter: A game with zero hits allowed (a more celebrated and common specific term).
- Complete game: A game where a pitcher pitches the entire game for his team, which is a prerequisite for a designated three-hitter.
- Three-hit game: A less common but perfectly synonymous phrase.
- Three-hit complete game: A more descriptive synonym.
The definition is highly specific to baseball. The focus is exclusively on the number of hits allowed by the pitcher. It does not account for other factors like walks, errors, or runs scored, meaning a team could theoretically win or lose a three-hitter.
- a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only 3 hits