In NCAA softball, what does "pinch running" mean?

In NCAA softball, "pinch running" specifically refers to the act of substituting a player to run the bases for another player. This strategy is often employed to enhance the team's speed or to ensure that a player who may be slower or less agile does not hinder the team on the bases, especially in crucial situations.

The player who is substituted will take over the base-running duties and will typically step in when the original player reaches base. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where a player may have physical limitations due to injury, fatigue, or a lack of speed. The primary objective is to maximize the team's chances to score or to advance runners effectively.

In this context, other choices don't accurately reflect the concept of pinch running. For instance, substituting players in the outfield or switching players at first base relates to fielding positions, while batting substitutions do not involve base running at all. Hence, the focus on base running as a strategic move is what makes this definition correct.