THE COMPLETE GUIDE

How to Score a Baseball Game Like a Pro

Learn the traditional art of baseball scoring with our step-by-step guide. Plus, discover the easiest way to keep score on your phone.

Try Free Scorecard App

Quick Answer: Baseball Scoring Basics

Baseball scoring uses a grid where each row is a batter and each column is an inning. You record what happens to each batter using standard abbreviations:

Hits

1B = Single, 2B = Double, 3B = Triple, HR = Home Run

Outs

K = Strikeout, F = Fly Out, G = Ground Out, DP = Double Play

Other

BB = Walk, HBP = Hit By Pitch, E = Error, SAC = Sacrifice

Step-by-Step: How to Keep Score

1

Set Up Your Scorecard

Write down the batting order for both teams. Each player gets a row. Number each batter 1-9 in the order they hit. List their name and defensive position (P, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF).

2

Understand the Grid

Each cell represents one at-bat. The columns are innings (1-9 or more). When a batter comes up, find their row and the current inning column. That's where you'll record what happens.

3

Record Each Play

Use standard abbreviations: 1B for single, K for strikeout, BB for walk. For outs, include the fielding position numbers (1-9). Example: "6-3" means groundout from shortstop (6) to first base (3).

4

Track Runs and RBIs

When a runner scores, mark a run in that inning's column for the linescore at the top. Credit the batter with an RBI if their hit or action drove in the run.

5

Total It Up

At the end of the game, add up the runs per inning for the final score. You can also calculate each player's stats: at-bats, hits, runs, and RBIs.

Fielding Position Numbers

Every position on the field has a number. These are used in scoring to show who fielded the ball:

1
Pitcher
(P)
2
Catcher
(C)
3
First Base
(1B)
4
Second Base
(2B)
5
Third Base
(3B)
6
Shortstop
(SS)
7
Left Field
(LF)
8
Center Field
(CF)
9
Right Field
(RF)

The Easier Way: Score on Your Phone

Paper scorecards are great, but they're easy to mess up and hard to save. Baseball Scorebook gives you a digital scorecard that's just as detailed but way easier to use.

Tap to Record Plays

No memorizing abbreviations - just tap the play type

Auto-Calculated Stats

Runs, hits, and totals update automatically

Never Lose a Scorecard

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Works Offline

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Common Scoring Questions

What if a batter gets two at-bats in one inning?

When the lineup "bats around," record both at-bats in the same cell separated by a comma. Example: "K, 1B" means struck out first, then singled.

How do I score a double play?

Write the positions in order. A 6-4-3 double play means shortstop to second base to first base. A 4-6-3 is second to short to first.

What's the difference between K and backwards K?

K means the batter struck out swinging. A backwards K means they struck out looking (called third strike without swinging).

How do I track stolen bases?

Write "SB" in the cell when the steal happens. If caught stealing, write "CS". You can add these to an existing at-bat: "BB, SB" for walk then steal.

Ready to Start Scoring?

Whether it's Little League, high school, or MLB - Baseball Scorebook makes it easy to keep score and build your collection of game memories.

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