Men of October

[Prof. Templeton]

During a particular game of baseball between the Tri-City ValleyCats and the Auburn Doubledays, John Hinson was the lead off hitter for the ValleyCats. There were no substitutions or changes made to the nine man ValleyCats Rooster that day and Hinson stepped up to the plate every inning.

What is the fewest number of runs the ValleyCats could have scored that day?

[TweetieBird]

0

[curr3nt]

I might be missing some rule.

I believe the most at bats that can lead to no score in an inning is 6. Bases loaded and then 3 outs.

Going to use A23456789 to mark the batters.

1: {A23456} = 0

2: {789A23} = 0

3: 4{56789A} = 1

4: 234{56789A} = 3

5: 23456789A23{456789} = 11

6: A23{456789} = 3

7: A{234567} = 1

8: {89A234} = 0

9: {56789A} = 0

So I come up with a score of 19.

Which I suppose isn't great with a minimum 73 total at bats.

If a greater number of at bats can exist in an inning without scoring then take 73 - (9 * n)

[TerriDawn7]

I came up with 16 runs

[Thalia]

Perhaps Hinson is the catcher. So 0? I'm not sure if the catcher technically "steps up to the plate".

[phaze]

0

I am sure their Rooster mascot would have appreciated being left alone

[Prof. Templeton]

Thinking outside the (batter's) box and misspellings aside, Hinson is the ValleyCats' second baseman. This may be unfair to those residing in countries where Baseball is not a major occurance, because a passing knowledge of the rules is required to derive and explain the correct answer.

[TweetieBird]

0

I guess I'm supposed to explain.

If Hinson leads off the first they can put three runners on and make three outs before running out of bases.

The seven hitter will lead off the second. Meaning Hinson will bat fourth. If two batters make outs and one is on base when Hinson steps to the plate, that runner could then be caught stealing for the third out. Since Hinson was still batting at the end of the second he would also lead off the third and the whole cycle would start over.

[Prof. Templeton]

I guess I'm supposed to explain.

If Hinson leads off the first they can put three runners on and make three outs before running out of bases.

The seven hitter will lead off the second. Meaning Hinson will bat fourth. If two batters make outs and one is on base when Hinson steps to the plate, that runner could then be caught stealing for the third out. Since Hinson was still batting at the end of the second he would also lead off the third and the whole cycle would start over.

Yes. Well Done.

[phaze]

Not familiar with the rules of baseball but a nine man Rooster would make an awesome mascot

[Prof. Templeton]

Not familiar with the rules of baseball but a nine man Rooster would make an awesome mascot

Indeed. Much like a dragoon for Chinese New Year.

[bonanova]

I think I did this with Derek Jeter and the Core Four a while back. It's a nice puzzle.