Double Play
DPA single defensive sequence that records two outs, often written as a string of position numbers like 6-4-3.
A double play is two outs recorded on one batted ball. The classic version is the ground-ball double play: a grounder to the shortstop, a throw to second to force the runner, then a relay to first to retire the batter. Scorekeepers write it as a chain of position numbers, so that play is 6-4-3 (shortstop to second baseman to first baseman).
The position numbers are the heart of old-school scoring. Every defender has a fixed number (1 pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 first base, 4 second base, 5 third base, 6 shortstop, 7 left field, 8 center field, 9 right field), so 4-6-3 and 6-4-3 describe two different but equally common double plays.
On a double play, each fielder who handles the ball earns an assist except the one who records the final out, and the runners involved are charged accordingly. A batter who grounds into a double play (GIDP) is not credited with an RBI even if a run scores.
Bleacher Notes parses the spoken route ("six four three") into the position chain, credits the putouts and assists, and records both outs in the half-inning.
What does 6-4-3 mean in baseball scoring?
It's a double play scored shortstop (6) to second baseman (4) to first baseman (3): the shortstop fields the grounder, throws to second to force one runner, and the second baseman relays to first to retire the batter.
Let the scorebook keep itself.
Bleacher Notes scores every play from a single spoken sentence, applying these rules for you. In beta now, free for parents.