Here is a situation that will always test the mettle of a pitcher, bases loaded, nobody out. To be honest, it is not always fun. However, if you can come out of it with a goose egg on the scoreboard for that inning, it is one heck of an emotional release. By doing what is necessary to succeed in one of the most adverse pitching situations, undoubtedly it will propel your status as a pitcher. As I stress frequently, word travels very fast about Dominant, Pitching performances. This one is up there with complete game dominance! So let’s get after it!

 

Bases Loaded, Nobody Out
Embrace the Situation

Regardless of how this situation came about, you have to accept it and rise to the occasion. It is the only way to go about it. When the mind has doubts and complaints about what is currently occupying the mental space, the results will suffer. Hands down!  

What is the mindset to get through this ‘Ornery Whereabouts?

First off, realize that you have to make a series of pitches. Don’t think you can strikeout the side on 1 pitch. You have to stay in control of yourself and focus on making one pitch at a time. It is vital to slow down the game.  Don’t get caught up in the hoopla of possibilities. Stay in the moment and rely on your strengths. Solid mental preparation will be your aid in getting through this battle.

Secondly, if they are going to beat you, they have to earn it. Free Passes don’t exist here. Your mindset is ‘how can I make pitches to get this guy out?’

Depending on the game situation, you may have to come out unscathed or you can have some wiggle room to give up a run or 2 and the game is not affected.  

 

Bases Loaded, Nobody Out
Starter vs Reliever

As a starter when you get into this rough spot, this is when you save up your strikeouts for a when you need them. It is a cliche that you may hear over and over and not fully understand what it means. Nonetheless, when you stand on the mound and the outcome of the game in the middle innings is weighing on your shoulders, you will quickly grasp the importance.

When you are a reliever in this spot, chances are you are coming into put out the fire.  The previous pitcher created this mess and and you have to clean it up. Naturally, the adrenaline is flowing in a higher gear right now. Rise to the occasion, and let the extra Mojo do it’s work. Just don’t let the hormonal release get the better of you. You will be out of the game before you even knew what happened.  Keep in mind, that in any sort of jam, you can always get out of it in one pitch. It is just more probable when you can stay ahead in the count.

Alas, there is always this freakish possibility:

 

 

Bases Loaded, Nobody Out
Different Degree of Urgency 

Say you have a 4 run lead when the bases are loaded. The game can be tied with one swing of the bat. Though if you get out of the inning allowing a run or two, your team and your manager can deal with it. Minimizing the damage is an essential key to pitching.  An ERA of 0.00 doesn’t exist. Things happen…. It’s baseball! Naturally you would trade a run for an out here. Even more so, and a run for 2 outs. The double play is a deflating blow to the offense. Especially, when they think they can build a rally.  

If you can keep the crooked numbers off of the scoreboard, you are doing alright.

Now when you get to a do or die spot with the bases loaded, nobody out, say tie game, bottom of the 9th, the dynamic has changed. 

Ideally, 3 strikeouts is the way to go.

Yet, not always as simple. Your main approach here is:

 

The ball doesn’t leave the infield.

 

If it does, the game is over. You have to make pitches where the ball will be put on the ground or popped up. It is the mindset which I have touched on before, that everything stays in front of you.  

Above all, you have to battle. You can’t shy away from the situation and you sure as hell cannot submit. Pitching to WIN is the only way out of this mess! Make all of your pitches with full conviction like any other situation. Throwing the Slider with the winning run on 3B is no different that with the bases empty. The same thing goes for when you have a full count. When you are feeling the Slider, you have to go with it!

Obviously, when a strikeout or more are needed, you have to go to your strengths. Follow the strikeout sequences that are best suited to set up a hitter with your strikeout pitch. When you know of a hitters weakness, attack it with absolute intent to exploit!

 

 

Bases Loaded, Nobody Out
Pitch To Your Demeanor

The more you are in this situation of bases loaded, nobody out, the more comfortable you will be in executing your pitches. If you are new to coming into a game as a reliever with this magnitude of pressure, have faith in your abilities and focus on making pitches.

Embrace the situation based on your pitching demeanor. Corey Kluber does so without even a spike in his heart rate, which usually sits around 25 BPM. Max Scherzer on the other hand, well, you can see the adrenaline pumping out of his ears. Both are multiple Cy Young Award winners.

Mariano Rivera had so much ice running through his veins, that his aura alone, put a deep freeze on the opponents bats. The best in the game know they will come out of this inning of adversity on top. How about you?

 

Keep Dominating!!!