Game 2
Summer Collegiate League
Situation:
Bottom of the 8th – home team down by one run and bases loaded and one out.
Left handed batter vs. left handed pitcher. Batter is the five hole hitter with
very average speed. (Must be noted the third baseman was playing behind the
bag). Batter hits soft grounder to pitcher, he throws to the catcher – who in
turn throws to first for the double play – end of inning. Home team ends up
losing the game.
What should have occurred – BUNT - and very simply why. (Proper situation)
1) Even though you have a batter that has the potential ability to hit for power
you have a left handed pitcher vs. a left handed batter. Odds usually favor
the pitcher.
2) Batter has very average speed (double play candidate).
3) Third baseman is playing deep (between outfield grass and the bag) – just
asking for a bunt.
4) Batters batting average .250 (25%) / odds of bunting scoring a run 68%.
5) Home team was down by one run late in the game. You have to score a run
to at least tie the game.
Game 3
Third game of the series. Unranked DI at #18 DI (at the time of the game) - game
two of a doubleheader – series tied 1-1.
The Situation:
Unranked team was at the plate, down 3-2, bases loaded with one out in the
last inning. Batter: bats left – three hole hitter. Up to his last at bat he was 1-3
for the game. Infield ground out/ single to RF/ K. Season stats before second
game: .294 BA. Spray chart shows hits lefties & righties about the same. To
this point hasn’t hit for power during the season.
Lefty pitcher vs. lefty batter. The unranked team’s batter hit’s a line drive to
the SS who tossed to the second baseman doubling off the base runner - a
game-ending double play – unranked team loses.
What should have occurred – BUNT - and very simply why. (Proper situation)
1) Left handed pitcher vs. a left handed batter. Odds usually favor the pitcher.
2) Last inning, down by one run – need to at least tie the game
3) Runner on third has above average speed
4) With bases loaded, pitcher doesn’t want to walk the tying run home so will
be more conservative with pitches and throw more strikes – better
opportunity to get a good pitch to bunt.
5) Bases loaded – double play anywhere
6) Player hasn’t hit for power yet this season so sac fly is doubtful
7) If the bunt happens to fail they will still have a base runner in scoring
position on 3rd.
8) BA .294 (basically 30%) vs. a successful bunt average of 68% in scoring a
run.