Expert: Matt Smith - 5/12/2008

Question
What are the most hits in a half inning without scoring a run? I sort of remembering the Yankees in 1983 getting 5 hits in an inning with all three outs being made taking extra bases.

Answer
I think the answer to this is 6. This is very very rare but it has happened.  It can obviously be no more than six, because at the most six batters can come to the plate in one inning without scoring a run (3 left on base, 3 outs).  So, the way for there to be six hits in an inning without scoring a run is as follows (although there can be some variations):
Batter 1: Gets a single, out trying to stretch to a double
Batter 2: Gets a single
Batter 3: Gets a single, runner out trying for 3rd
Batter 4: Gets a single, runner stops at 2nd
Batter 5: Gets an infield hit, bases now loaded.
Batter 6: Hits line drive up the middle that hits the runner off of 2nd base.  Batter gets credit for hit, runner is out.

That is six hits in an inning without scoring.  Now, there can be variations of this, but the inning must end on a 'runner hit by batted ball' call.  I hope this answers your question sufficiently.

Thanks to Dan, a fellow expert I had to advise on this to make sure I am giving you correct info. Have a good day. :)

  Matt.