A bat is a piece of sports equipment used primarily in games like baseball and cricket. It is typically made of wood or metal and is designed to hit a ball. The shape and size of a bat can vary depending on the sport, with baseball bats being longer and thicker, while cricket bats have a flat surface. In baseball, players use the bat to hit a pitched ball, aiming to score runs by reaching bases. In cricket, the bat is used to strike a bowled ball, with the goal of scoring runs by running between wickets. Both sports require skill and technique to effectively use the bat.