??????????????????

Small Ball

Face it folks Small Ball is an integral part of the game. If used at the right time a well executed bunt will break the back of even the best team. Sometimes Sac Bunt is the right play to call. I'm just glad more of our opponents don't realize just how effective it is.

 

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned

is the speed of that #2 at first base.

Usually you have some wheels at the 1,2 spots in the batting order. If I have wheels at 1 then I will play chess with the opposing coach especially if it is in the bottom of the 10th. I may be a little more conservative if it was the top.

I'm a very aggressive base-running coach and we get off the bag like we are stealing every pitch. In a pinch, I would guess that the opposing coach and team would be expecting the "wheels" to leave off the first pitch so I would extend the lead for a steal and see how the catch reacts. My signal to the #3 hitter would be to put her on the left side for the slap or drag.

After seeing the reaction, I would then decide whether to steal and in most cases I would especially if my #2 has already tested catch's arm in the game.

I send her at some point regardless but more than likely on that second pitch. You have to remember that there is pressure at the 2 spot in that situation as well and if your runner can execute the hook slide then you take your chances and avoid the double play potential. Even if the first pitch was a strike I would keep my hitter on that left side for the bunt attempt and run like the wind.

Getting that runner in scoring position is automatic to put as much pressure on the defense as possible. You still have your clean-up coming and possibly another slap hitter at the 5 spot.

There are so many factors that can determine decision making but if it was in the bottom of the 10th. I take that chance because of my philosophy.

My team this year is very agressive on the base-path and have only been thrown out 6 times all season out of 47 attempts against some very, very good catchers.

JMO but I love to see my kids RUN!

 

Bunt

I am not a big poster, but I do read a lot.

Last night, South Central beat Washington 1 to 0. Guess how they scored. With one out, the lead off batter got a hit. The normal #3 hitter was in the 2 spot because the #2 hitter was out sick. Perfect Sac bunt. Next batter drove one up the middle for the game winner. In a thight game with 2 pitchers (Caitlian Wainright and Chairty Watson) combining for over 20 Ks, got to take advantage of these opportunities.

Scoring question: On the sac bunt, if the pitcher picks us the ball and throws it in the right field corner, obvious error, I say this still goes in the book as a sacriface, not reaching on an error, and doesn't count as a time at bat. JMO. Really enjoy the "you make the call" post.

 

She gets credit for the sacrifice.. scoring is based on what the batter was attempting to do...

Failure of the defense to properly execute does not penalize the batter..
scored as a sacrifice, E1.

Another example would be
No outs, runner on first. Hitter takes big swing, cueballs pitch,
which ends up a swinging bunt...
runner advances to 2nd, batter thrown out at first, 5-3
scored as a fielder choice, not a sacrifice, because the batter's
intent was to swing way, not to bunt....
You do not get rewarded in the score book for an OOOPS...