Striking out the side

Striking out the side refers to the pitching feat of retiring all three batters faced (and the minimum of three that were due up) on strikeouts.  It is also called a "1-2-3 inning on strikeouts", or "three up, three down on strikeouts".

Some pitchers who were notable for this pitching feat include Nolan Ryan and Kerry Wood. Due to their proclivity for being wild with their pitching, these pitchers also were more prone to walk the bases loaded and then strike out the next three batters without any runs scoring in the inning, a feat which is different from striking out the side.

See also

• 1-2-3
• Good morning, good afternoon, good night