Question

It was the bottom of the ninth inning. The Cougars were due to bat with the score tied at three apiece. I couldn't believe we had advanced this far in the playoffs. Right off the bat, the starting pitcher walked the first two players. I was due up next. As I practiced my swing in the on-deck circle, the butterflies in my stomach wouldn't settle down. The Cougars needed a solid hit to score the runner from second and win the game. I wanted to be the hero; I wanted it so badly I could taste it. The stone-faced pitcher reeled back and unleashed the ball. I had no idea what pitch to expect. Fastball, curve, change-up, who knew? I just closed my eyes, gripped the bat tightly, and dug in my heels. I hoped to connect and send the pitch over the third baseman's head.
3
What is the meaning of right off the bat?
A.
After allowing a base hit
B.
The first thing that happened
C.
After a little while
D.
Before a pitch is thrown

Answer 1

The phrase "right off the bat" means **B. The first thing that happened**. It is an idiom that refers to something occurring immediately or at the very beginning of an event. In this context, it indicates that the starting pitcher immediately walked the first two players without hesitation.