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Old 08-03-2017, 02:08 PM   #2
Mr. Marlin
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Pitch to contact means the pitcher is throwing a ball with the intention of the batter putting it into play, hoping for a ground out. For example, if you have a runner on first, one out and a groundball pitcher you might set the defense for double play, pitch to contact and hope the batter hits into a DP. But you are taking a chance. A pitch to contact pitch is a high probability of being hit and if it ends up in the outfield... you won't be happy.

Pitch away is telling the pitcher not to throw any obvious strikes. Don't challenge the batter. There will be more outside off speed pitches. You might go this route with a dangerous hitter thinking it's better to walk him than let him hurt you with an extra base hit, but don't want to intentionally walk him. If the pitcher has good control and the hitter has a poor eye rating there is a pretty good chance of a favorable outcome. But there is a much higher chance of a walk.

Keep in mind, these only change the probabilities. Anything can happen on any pitch.
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