PINCHES, HIT IN THE

figuratively, to step in and act when needed, as in an emergency. This is an allusion to a pinch-hitter in the American game of baseball. A pinch is an occasion or time of stress or need, a critical point, etc. A pinch-hitter is a player who goes up to bat for another player, usually in an emergency situation, such as when it is important to hit the ball well in order to score a point, etc.