squeeze play

noun

1
: a baseball play in which a runner on third base starts for home plate as the ball is being pitched and the batter attempts to bunt to give the runner a chance to score
2
: the exertion of pressure in order to extort a concession or gain a goal

Examples of squeeze play in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Alabama-Wake Forest, due to the delay, will be broadcast as part of ESPN’s squeeze play. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 10 June 2023 That set the table for the South comeback, where after the Neuberger home run, Blake Peterson singled and later scored on a squeeze play with Gavin Alexander executing the bunt. Anchorage Daily News, 5 June 2023 That squeeze play will enhance our wind. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2023 In a 7-3 win over Atlanta, full-court baseball - a steal of third and a squeeze play - opened the door for a big inning and keyed a series win over the world champions. Dallas News, 1 May 2022 Louis Bussard then squared to bunt, with Trout digging for home plate on an apparent squeeze play. Mike Waters, Dallas News, 20 May 2022 The Jacksonville Jaguars made a surprise move after practice on Wednesday, releasing veteran defensive tackle Malcom Brown who appeared to be caught in a squeeze play involving younger players ahead of him and behind him on the depth chart. Garry Smits, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2022 Then Kiner-Falefa worked in that squeeze play, scoring Benintendi for the winning run. Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2022 The Pioneers went for the squeeze play attempting to go ahead. oregonlive, 15 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'squeeze play.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of squeeze play was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near squeeze play

Cite this Entry

“Squeeze play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squeeze%20play. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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