What does "bunting" refer to in baseball?

Bunting refers to a specific batting technique in baseball where the batter holds the bat out in front of him with the intention of lightly tapping the ball rather than taking a full swing. This technique is often used to place the ball in a strategic position that can benefit the batting team, such as moving a runner into scoring position or trying to beat out a throw with a quick hit. The goal of bunting is to make contact with the ball without swinging, which makes it easier to control its direction and placement.

This method is particularly effective in certain game situations, like when a team wants to advance a runner from first to second base, as it allows for a more delicate touch on the ball. While the other options pertain to different aspects of the game, they do not capture the essence of bunting, which is exclusively related to how the bat is used to hit the ball softly.