He's had a pretty decent season at the plate this year. He hasn't gotten many free passes even though he's seen a lot of playing time.
You know, you're right, Al. He's one of the toughest batters to walk. It just seems like every pitcher wants to challenge him at every at-bat.
That they do, Rick. He manages to foul off a lot of pitches and stay alive, though. He likes to make those pitchers work.
Here's the first pitch and it's high and inside.
It looks like the ole brush back move. That pitcher wants to push him off the plate and make him uncomfortable in his own stance. Number 7 is used to that, though. He routinely makes pitchers throw a lot of pitches to him, and they fight back. He can usually get on base by finding his pitch.
The pitcher looks to see the sign from the catcher. He didn't like that sign... or that one. He nods and sets himself...
*STRIKE*
Looks like he went with the curveball down in the zone. Dan held up on that one. I guess he wasn't feeling that pitch.
Rick, it's funny you should say that. That's way out of character for this young player. According to his scouting report, he has seen more curveballs per at-bat than any other player in history! It surprises me that he wouldn't even swing at that. The curveball seems to be his pitch, even if not by choice.
The batter calls time and steps out of the box. He readjusts and gets back in. The count's 1 and 1. No men on with two outs. They've been trailing the whole game, and a hit here might liven up the bench enough to start a rally here in the eighth inning. The pitcher sees his sign, and here's the pitch...
SWING AND A LONG ONE DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE. COULD IT? BACK! BACK! AND JUUUUUUST FOUL. I guess that's just a long strike, Al.
Wow, he crushed that, Rick. That was a line drive shot that just snuck foul at the last second. If he could have that one back, I think he'd slow it down a bit.
Yeah, can't go too fast into that. I think that was another curveball too.
I think you're right, Rick.
The pitcher sets and fires. A fastball at the numbers for a ball. That leaves the count at 2 and 2. The crowd starts to make some noise, getting behind their man. The pitcher, working quickly, tosses another one in there and Dan fouls it off to the first base dugout.
Another curveball. These pitchers must have his number. If they keep throwing curveballs, you think he'll connect with one?
I hope so, Al. This team needs him to get on base. He's been on a hot streak lately, but who knows when Dan will run out of gas. This is potentially his last at-bat in this game unless he gets on here.
It looks like pitch can't decide on what to throw. Out comes the catcher to the mound. It looks like this is a tough decision. If I were pitching, Rick, I think I'd go after him. I think with no one on and two outs, you have to.
I tend to agree with you, Al. He's got to after Dan here. The ump breaks up the conference and the pitcher readies himself. Here's the 2-2 pitch. Oh no, it looks like another curveball. Dan sits back, and he swings!
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