Two words, unhyphenated, when used as a noun: Matt Stairs entered the game as a pinch hitter.; Carlos Baerga’s pinch hit push Cleveland ahead.

Two words, unhyphenated, when used as a verb: Will Clark pinch hit for Darren Lewis in the seventh inning.

Two words, hyphenated, when used as an adjective: Lou Merloni delivered a pinch-hit double to center field.