When a defensive baseball player records an 'out' by certain methods
An attempted putout at first base.
In baseball statistics, a putout (denoted by PO or fly out when appropriate) is awarded to a defensive player who (generally while in secure possession of the ball) records an out by one of the following methods:
- Tagging a runner with the ball when he is not touching a base (a tagout)
- Catching a batted or thrown ball and tagging a base to put out a batter or runner (a force out, or if done after a flyout, a doubling off)
- Catching a thrown ball and tagging a base to record an out on an appeal play
- Catching a third strike (a strikeout)
- Catching a batted ball on the fly (a flyout)
- Being positioned closest to a runner called out for interference
In a regulation nine-inning game, the winning team will always have a total of 27 putouts, as one putout is awarded for every defensive out made; this is one aspect of proving a box score.