One Play That Changes The Game

[Battle]

So many times in sports, I hear people say, "If we had made that play the score would be different." Unless you are talking about the very end of the game, that play would also change the whole complex of the game. It changes batting order, pitches, pitch counts, etc...Everything changes and even if it is at the end, I have always looked at we could have made a difference at some point earlier in the game. What do you think?

[Sue Trubovitz, Turbo]

After a game? Critical error usually jumps right out and
says 'if only'.

IMO If there is a single thing that can make a critical difference in a better outcome that would be a catchers framing.

As commented, it can change the batting order (outs), the pitch selection and pitch count. Plus the ball doesn't even have to be in play to make those differences!

[GIMNEPIWO]

After a game? Critical error usually jumps right out and
says 'if only'.

IMO If there is a single thing that can make a critical difference in a better outcome that would be a catchers framing.

As commented, it can change the batting order (outs), the pitch selection and pitch count. Plus the ball doesn't even have to be in play to make those differences!

I agree, but all errors are critical ... Each defensive error essentially gives the other team an extra out in that inning, while an offensive error often lets the defensive team get out of an inning while only making 2 outs ... If at the home plate meeting, if the Umpire said "in the forth inning you have to make 4 outs on defense and in the 5th inning you only get 2 outs on offense", I think the fireworks would start.

All too often an out not made turn into a rally.

[eddiez577]

After a game? Critical error usually jumps right out and
says 'if only'.

IMO If there is a single thing that can make a critical difference in a better outcome that would be a catchers framing.

As commented, it can change the batting order (outs), the pitch selection and pitch count. Plus the ball doesn't even have to be in play to make those differences!

I agree, but all errors are critical ... Each defensive error essentially gives the other team an extra out in that inning, while an offensive error often lets the defensive team get out of an inning while only making 2 outs ... If at the home plate meeting, if the Umpire said "in the forth inning you have to make 4 outs on defense and in the 5th inning you only get 2 outs on offense", I think the fireworks would start.

All too often an out not made turn into a rally.

Also, every defensive error adds 5-15 minutes to the inning. In timed games, that factors in to managing to win the game. You either have to hurry and make good plays if you're home and are down, or hope that the other team doesn't eat up the clock with timeouts if you're visitor.

[Sue Trubovitz, Turbo]

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Offensively and defensively
control the ball
to control the game!

[GIMNEPIWO]

Good point about the clock.
Clock management strategy

Definitely agree
'Can't give extra outs away.' That's a great way to explain how critical errors are.
Also things like 'all pop-ups should be an out' mentality. Those little spray pop ups in foul territory the corners and catcher should be grabbing. While those are not charged as an error they are an opportunity for an out.
Game changing moments.

Here's another,
When coaches say after losing 'well we didn't bring our bats', yet every batter had a bat in their hand. What really happens is the coach didn't bring a strategy to make something happen.
If you see your bats are weak, or pitcher commanding the game, create game changing moments with small ball!


Offensively and defensively
control the ball
to control the game!

Pop ups in foul ground that are not caught are why I drink to excess

[Sue Trubovitz, Turbo]

How about
Batters that strike out looking?

Whats the thinking there?
Should never happen?

Game changing moments!

[GIMNEPIWO]

How about
Batters that strike out looking?

Whats the thinking there?
Should never happen?

Game changing moments!

I say it shouldn't happen as often as it does ... A batter can occasionally be fooled by a pitch (sweet change up or a movement pitch) ... If it is a rarity I don't worry about it too much ... If it is a pattern with a particular batter, it may be a confidence issue that needs to be addressed.

[Sue Trubovitz, Turbo]

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One play that changes a game. Catchers back pics!
Batter becomes a runner
becomes an out!
Really enjoy the confidence
of a strong defense!

[jonriv]

Sometimes its the play that does not stand out that makes the difference. Sometimes its the basics- proper cut-off(or missed cut-off) Backing up(or not) proper positioning- many times those simple things allow an extra base(or run) that winds up being the difference, but does not show in the scorecard