when they get to the ball which causes them to throw off balance or rush the throw.
Also if an opponent knows that a team will bunt, it effects their defensive alignment.
The corners will “cheat” up
a step or two anticipating
the possibility of a bunt.
That will decrease the
fielder’s reaction time and
angle on batted balls that
possibly get through that
otherwise wouldn’t.
Examples of the Lack of
Bunting Strategy or
Confidence
Or Swinging away is a “Rally Killer ”
It needs to be stated that this isn’t second guessing any coaches. It also doesn’t
imply a team would have won the game but it would have given them at least a
better chance to extend the game to have the chance to win. The three examples
used in this section are to illustrate the point that bunting isn’t thought of as a
serious scoring tool. We also will not use the names of the schools/ teams.
Game 1
JUCO Sub Regional playoff game. Winner moves on to Regionals – loser goes home.
Situation:
Top of the last inning. Visiting team down by one run and at the plate. Leadoff batter hits a triple and has excellent speed. Next batter K’s. Next batter
walks then steals second. Men on 2nd and 3rd with one out. Next batter hits a
shallow fly ball to right field – runner on third tags up. He is thrown out at
home – game over.
What should have occurred – BUNT - and very simply why. (Proper situation)
1) The visiting team actually practices bunting religiously. Everyone on the
team can bunt with confidence.
2) Next batter isn’t a “power” hitter.
3) Men on 2nd & 3rd. If the bunt happens to fail they will still have a base runner
in scoring position on 3rd.
4) You have to score at least one run to continue the game. Sac bunts have
68% success rate of scoring a run (see April 2015 issue).
5) You’re in a one-or-done situation.