Ground out (baseball)

In baseball, to "ground out" means to be put out at first base as a result of hitting a batted ball on the ground (a ground ball) that is fielded by a fielder who throws to first base for the out, or who steps on first base with the ball before the batter reaches first base. This results in the batter being credited with an out. It is a common type of out in baseball.

A ground out is recorded when the batter hits the ball into fair territory and is put out at first base because a fielder either throws to first or steps on first base before the batter reaches the base. It does not include instances where the batter reaches first base safely due to an error by the fielder, a fielder's choice, or any other reason. A ground out is charged to the batter, regardless of the number of fielders who touch the ball before the out is recorded.

The statistic is tracked as part of a player's batting record and contributes to their overall out total. It is often abbreviated as GO in box scores and statistical analyses.