I agree with NHFDad. The real "intent" of a hit & run play is to take advantage of the defense and the situation.
At the high school level I see so many teams that either have both fielders [SS & 2B] break towards second base the micro-second the runner starts or always have the 2B cover second as the runner breaks with the SS staying home till the ball passes the batter with right-handed hitters and have the SS cover second as the runner breaks with 2B staying home with left-handed hitters.
Thus, smart offensive hit & run strategy is to hit ground balls the opposite way when faced with either of these defenses. To counter, the smart defense uses signs between the SS and 2B as to coverage depending on the pitch and the likely direction the hitter will be hitting.
The botom line is, you should hit & run when defensive coverage gives you a good chance that BOTH the runner and the hitter will be safe. Otherwise, SAC Bunt is less risky as hit & run is more likely to lead to a double play by lineing or flying out.
TW344
