2nd and 3rd, 0 outs.

With runners on 2nd and 3rd and 0 outs it brings some interesting dynamics into the game. What should the defense do with respect to playing their infield? What should the hitter try and do with respect to advancing runners? Should the pitcher pitch to his defense? Is the squeeze a viable option?

Let's investigate a little further.

Let's assume that it's early in the game and that both teams value both runners.

If it's early in the game, the defense probably won't bring their infield in. If that's the case the batter approaches the batters box with two objectives.

The first objective is to drive the runner at 3rd in. Certainly there are many ways to do this. A base hit of any variety will do the trick. A fly ball with enough depth will do the trick. A ground ball to a middle infielder will do the trick. However, this scenario has different levels of success.

The second objective is to advance the runner from 2nd to 3rd so he can be 90 ft. away with only one out. A truly successful at bat would be to accomplish both objectives. How can we manage this without the benefit of a base hit(obvious)?

1)A ground out to 2B or any ground ball that the runner can advance on.
2)A fly ball deep enough to score the runner hit to center or right.
3)A bunt for a hit past the pitcher at the 2B.

It's the responsibility of the manager or the 3rd base coach to try and communicate to the batter what is a quality at bat in the situation. It's solid baseball when a batter advances both runners without getting a hit.