There’s a story
inside every score.
A small guide to reading the numbers, following the bases and understanding what happened between the first pitch and the final out.
01 / THE LINE SCORE
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISITORS | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1 |
| HOME | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | × | 4 | 8 | 0 |
An invented example for learning. This page does not provide live scores.
A runner reaches first.
The batter hits a single and stops at first base. The red marker shows the runner. No one is out.
Start with the innings.
Each numbered column shows runs scored in that inning. The visitors bat in the top half; the home team bats in the bottom half. Add across the row to find the team’s total runs.
Then look at R, H and E.
Runs decide the score. Hits count successful base hits, while errors record certain defensive mistakes. A team can collect more hits and still lose the game.
Why is there an × in the ninth?
In this example, the home team already leads after the visitors finish the top of the ninth. The bottom half is not needed, so the sheet uses an × rather than a zero.
Does every runner score on a double?
No. Runner movement depends on the play. Our practice sequence specifies that both existing runners score; that is one possible outcome, not an automatic rule.
How does a half-inning end?
After three outs, the teams switch between batting and fielding. Our four-play demonstration stops after one out, so it shows only part of a half-inning.
A single: a base hit on which the batter reaches first.
A double: a base hit on which the batter reaches second.
A walk, or base on balls. The batter is awarded first base.
A strikeout. It counts as an out; scorekeepers may add detail about how it happened.
Made for the curious spectator.
Boxscore is an independent educational page about baseball scorekeeping. The game and play sequence are fictional teaching examples. There is no affiliation with a team or league, and no tickets or subscriptions are sold here.
A quiet page.
No account, cookies or analytics. The diagram is drawn directly in the page, and the practice controls run in your browser. Scorekeeping conventions can vary between scorers; these examples introduce the basics.