Pitching Strategy: Why You Shouldn't Pitch Inside Late In A Close Game

Watch any MLB game on TV and you'll almost always hear the announcers talk about not pitching inside late in a game. That's because statistics show that most home run hitters pull their home runs. In other words, right-handed hitters hit more homers over the left field fence than any other area; left-handed hitters hit more homers over the right field fence than any other area. And the pitch they do that most on is an inside pitch because they can turn on it.

Source: Baseball Analysts

If you're a baseball closer coming into finish a close game ... or a starting pitcher looking to finish a complete game in which you have a narrow lead -- pitch outside, especially to your power hitters or your home run threats (like the 3rd and 4th hitters in a lineup).

The reason is simple: You don't want to get beat on one swing, on one pitch. By pitching outside late in a game, especially a close one, statistics work in your favor. Make the hitter put the ball in play. Let your teammates help you get those final three outs. But remember, they can't help defend against a home run!