Bottom of the 7th

If it's the team's best hitter I think that he would gladly take that outside pitch to the right side of the field and either hit a long fly ball or drive the ball through the infield to win the game. Also, what happens if you do not turn the double play up the middle? You lose the game right? If your pick off play works do you still pitch to the best hitter or do you intentionally walk him and see if someone else wants the pressure? Just thoughts not trying to attack your opinions

 

I love these responses...they're great!

 

I'm already in the hole to begin with...

However, this play opens up more options for me.
I only throw (outside) to the hitter if the pick-play doesn't work... mind you, I plan on taking the count to 2-0 so that he doesn't have a good pitch to hit, so they're not going to be strikes. If he get's one then more power to him, that's why he's their best hitter. Remember, the hometeam is in the driver's seat anyway (I'm trying to find a way to get an edge, otherwise I've done nothing as a coach and should be fired..lol)

But yes, if I do get the pick-play to work (if my pitcher and 1st baseman can't play catch, I've got bigger issues at hand) I've opened up 1st base- I can in fact- walk the batter (who's on deck?) or I could pitch to him as normal and have my position players at normal depth (I may have 3rd come in (bunt to the right side is the pitchers, bunt to left side is 3rd baseman's). The good thing is, we've taken some of the pressure of the pitcher at this point, hopefully that helps his confidence.

Home team:
Something good to think about though.... bottom of 7th, 2 outs- best hitter at the plate, runners on 2nd and 3rd.... do I bunt? or swing away? I'm already in the drivers seat... but I don't think I would bunt, but it would be a suprise to the visiting team. Thoughts?

BTW- We used this pick-play on many occasions with Coach Pollard at Pfeiffer. It worked all but one time... but did propel us to win the conference championship. Only difference in that game, it was the bottom of the 9th and raining. OUCH!

 

Tough to answer given what we know:
Can the top hitter bunt?
What kind of speed does the hitter have?
Is the hitter a line drive type guy or a fly ball hitter?
Is the pitcher an athlete off the mound?
How much falloff do I have with the next hitter if the squeeze fails?
How's my pen vs their pen if it goes extras?
Where in the order will the opponent be if it goes to extras?

 

actually saw this scenario unfold a few years ago...

except the home team, Northwood, was down 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th in the conference championship game. Former head coach Ronald Horton worked his magic...
A hit, a walk and an error on the bunt to move the runners, loaded the bases with one out. Next batter again sac bunts and beats the throw, runner at third scores and now it's a one run game, bases still loaded. Next batter strikes out, now two away. Infield backs up a few steps and Coach Horton, with one of his best power guys at the plate calls for suicide squeeze. Batter put the ball on the third base line with all runners going. Pitcher has to play the ball and throws wildly to 1st and by the time they corral the ball the runner from 2nd, who never slowed down slides across the plate, beating the throw, to win the game.

 

I still say squeeze him home......coaches should practice their small ball and get all their players to practice bunting. Your runners also need to understand how to get the proper jump for the squeeze. I have seen hesitation kill the play. Its the execution that counts. If you aren't prepared, you may tell the batter to swing away.

The bunt is a very effective tool and has won many a game.

 

Defensive options?

Why is no one coming up with a defensive strategy for this scenario besides me? It's easy to be the home team in this situation- the game is already in your hands.

Come on guru's!!!

 

Well, I don't see as many defensive strategies in this situ. You can't walk the batter. So all you can really do is bring the IF and OF in coach up your pitcher on how to induce a groundball or popped up bunt.

 

Defensively you have to trust your pitcher to force try and get a grounder. Play your infield in(pinch the middle and let your corners give up the lines) and bring your outfield in. Have confidence in your pitcher to get the K or ground ball make sure of 1!!.

Offensively I would tell the hitter to try to avoid the ground ball(the sac fly will work well). Don't try to do to much and to have fun at the plate(he needs the pitcher to notice he is relaxed).

Whatever happens, happens. Its the way baseball goes.

 

hold a team meeting in the dug out everyone get on their knees and say well however many you feel "Hail MAry's"