How to Calculate Runs, Hits and Errors Based on Game Total

Baseball is an interesting sport, on so many levels. Fans watch games to see mammoth home runs, overpowering fastballs and acrobatic defensive plays. Many baseball fans keep score during games, which can be a complicated endeavor. From simple box scores to complicated sabermetrics, meaning the statistics of baseball, numbers are a huge part of the game. Keeping track of runs, hits and errors can be tricky for novice baseball fans, but the numbers become easier to add up as you continue following the game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep track of hits. A baseball team can pile up 10 hits or more in a baseball game and not score a run. There are four types of hits: singles, doubles, triples and home runs. Hitters get to first base on singles, second base on doubles, third bases on triples, and they circle the bases and score on home runs.

      All hits and errors are determined by the official scorer. Clean hits are easy to score, as they clearly elude all defensive players or go over the fence for home runs. Infield and outfield hits that defensive players have a chance to make plays on are judged by the official scorer.

    • 2

      Keep track of runs. Teams score runs by drawing walks, taking advantage of errors, hitting singles and coming through with extra-base hits such as doubles, triples and home runs.

      Most runs score on hits. A single can score a runner from third or second base, and a double or triple can score a runner from first, second or third base. Homers bring every base runner across the plate, along with the hitter. Runners on third base can also score on balks -- an illegal move by the pitcher -- wild pitches, passed balls by the catcher and errors.

    • 3

      Keep track of errors. A routine grounder that goes through the shortstop's legs is an error. Ditto for the other infielders. A wild throw to first base is also an error, as is a dropped fly ball in the outfield. Errors are a big part of baseball, even in the major leagues. Hitters that reach base on an error are charged with an out in the game total. When hitters reach base on errors and come around to score, the pitcher is not charged with an earned run, but it's recorded as an unearned run.

    • 4

      Add up the statistics. Teams can score five earned runs on 10 hits in a baseball game with no errors on the opposing team. Teams can score five runs on 10 hits in a game, but one or two runs are unearned due to errors. For example, the leadoff hitter reaches first base on the second baseman's error. The next hitter reaches first base on the pitcher's error. The next hitter follows with a three-run homer. The offensive team scores three runs, but only one run -- the home run -- is earned due to the two errors.