Hitters, matchups, and pressure
Baserunning pressure
How runners create value by threatening advancement, steals, extra bases, or defensive mistakes.
Why it matters
Pressure on the bases can change pitch selection, defensive positioning, throwing decisions, and the number of ways a run can score.
What to watch
- Secondary leads and steal threats affecting the battery
- First-to-third or second-to-home decisions
- Defensive throws creating advancement opportunities elsewhere