Do you walk the bases loaded?

You are tied 5-5 in the last inning. The home team comes to the plate and manages to work a runner to 3B with 1 out. So many scenarios, so many options.

Do you intentionally walk the next two batters?

Option A) Do not walk the batter and try and prevent the run from scoring by moving your infield(maybe 5 infielders in this situation) in. Although the infield is in there is not a force play at home plate. If the runner at 3B has some speed this proves to be a very tricky situation.

Option B) Intentionally walk the next two batters and create a double play opportunity or at least a force at home plate.

Option B is really only prudent advice if the defense has a realistic chance of turning a double play. Can high school players do this? Some, sure. Can college players do this? I would think a whole lot more efficiently.

This back to back intentional walk also places a burden on the pitcher. Sometimes working with the bases loaded and knowing the consequences of a third walk can be a very onerous proposition. The manager must take into account his pitchers disposition before asking the pitcher to load the bases. Some pitchers just can't pitch with that pressure.

Lots of variables in making this decision. It is one of those decisions that takes a lot of guts to walk the bases loaded. I think at the amateur level it's very risky to load the bases because infields and infielders just aren't tailored for double play opportunities with ease. With highly manicured fields and proficient infielders this decision is almost a "no brainer."