Win An 0-2 BattleWhat's the best pitch in baseball? Strike one. You've probably had it hammered into your head how important it is to get ahead in the count. Statistics show that throwing a first pitch strike puts you in a position of advantage as a pitcher (based on a hitter's batting average in a 1-0 vs. 0-1 count). So, let's say you go 0-1 then get way ahead and end up in an 0-2 situation. A coach's biggest pet peeve? 0-2 hits! Avoid them at all costs...you have such an upper hand when you've earned an 0-2 count. You deserve an out!
How can you get that out? There are many schools of thought. Some pitching coaches tell you to "waste a pitch" and try to get a hitter to chase. I really don't like this philosophy. A pitch should NEVER be wasted. You can throw a pitch out of the zone, but it should be done with purpose. Maybe it's just a difference in terminology. My approach with an 0-2 count is to set a hitter up and be content if he chases. If you have command of your fastball, my absolute favorite pitches are fastballs a couple inches off either corner (depending on the hitter and your first two pitches). The 0-2 count is a classic off-speed count and, at lower levels especially, hitters are preparing for your breaking stuff. A nice little surprise fastball inside on them can tie them in knots. Remember, we are NOT throwing a pitch that a hitter can do anything with! Not even a cheap blooper. An 0-2 pitch should have a PURPOSE.
Throw a competitive pitch that a hitter can't handle (not something over the plate, unless it's UP) or that sets the hitter up for a 1-2 put away pitch. Let's say we execute that 0-2 pitch in on them, but they are surprised and just lay off. Then you're still in a position of great advantage at 1-2. From here you can do many things. If you have executed the previous pitch, you can go with a little cut fastball in on them again, or maybe even a breaking ball down. At this point, you are trying to get the out (not necessarily the strike out). Reason? Because we don't want to get too deep into a count on a hitter and throw too many pitches. General rule of thumb is on or out in four pitches.
Go right after a hitter 0-2! Avoid throwing something that is easy for a hitter to just "spit" on. Try to get your weak out or strike out...execute a good sequence and have the hitter heading back to the dugout frustrated that he just got beat! |
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