What Is a Full Count in Baseball?
Quick answer
Three balls and two strikes. The next pitch ends the at-bat with a walk, strikeout or ball in play, unless the batter fouls it off.
In this article
A full count is three balls and two strikes (a 3-2 count). The next pitch decides the at-bat: one more ball is a walk, one more strike is a strikeout, and anything put in play is live. Announcers call it the payoff pitch.
What happens on a full count
| Next pitch | Result |
|---|---|
| Ball outside the zone, no swing | Walk (base on balls) |
| Strike, called or swinging | Strikeout |
| Foul ball | Count stays 3-2 |
| Foul bunt | Strikeout |
| Ball in play | Hit or out |
Because foul balls don't add a third strike, a full count can last a while. Good two-strike hitters keep fouling off tough pitches until they get one to hit.
Why runners go on a full count with two outs
With two outs and a full count, runners usually break on the pitch:
- A ball means a walk, and forced runners move up anyway.
- A strike ends the inning, so running costs nothing.
- A ball in play gives the runners a head start, and a single can score a runner from second.
With fewer than two outs, running on 3-2 is riskier because a strikeout plus a throw can produce a "strike 'em out, throw 'em out" double play.
How hitters approach a full count
- Protect the plate. Swing at anything close and foul off tough pitches.
- Expect the pitcher's best strike-getter. Many pitchers throw their most reliable pitch, often a fastball.
- Shorten up. Put the ball in play rather than swinging for the fences.
How pitchers approach it
- Throw a quality strike rather than nibbling, because a walk is costly.
- Or trust the chase pitch. Pitchers with a great breaking ball may throw it just off the plate, hoping the hitter swings.
Related counts and terms
- 3-0 count: when the hitter has the biggest edge
- "In the hole": falling behind in the count
- Quality at-bat: fighting through a long full-count at-bat counts as one
More definitions: baseball terms explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is a full count in baseball?
A full count is three balls and two strikes. One more ball is a walk and one more strike is a strikeout.
Why do runners run on a full count with two outs?
With two outs and a full count, the runners have nothing to lose. A ball forces them forward, a strike ends the inning and a ball in play gives them a head start, so they go on the pitch.
Can a full count go on forever?
In theory, yes, because foul balls don't add a third strike. Hitters sometimes foul off many pitches in a row. A foul bunt with two strikes, however, is a strikeout.
What is the payoff pitch?
Announcers call the 3-2 pitch the payoff pitch because it decides the at-bat, unless it is fouled off.
