The unthinkable, a 3 pitch inning.

Many baseball people have a rule about not allowing a pitcher to throw only 3 pitches to get out of an inning. Let's analyze this way of thinking.

The prevailing theme here is the pitcher needs to work to record outs. Allowing him to pitch one inning with only three pitches seems very detrimental to that cause. A 3 pitch inning allows that pitcher to almost guarantee that he will be able to work late into the game. And, in amateur baseball it is very advantageous to probe into the other teams bullpen. So, never allow a pitcher to have a 3 pitch inning, right?

Not so fast.

The 3 pitch inning can only happen if the batter is permitted to swing at the 1st pitch. Therefore, a managers opinion on first pitch swinging becomes the true salient point. After all, the goal of the offense isn't to tire a pitcher but rather score runs. So, if you believe that a batter can do some good on the first pitch, let 'em hack. But, do you let three consecutive batters hack away on that first pitch?

The first pitch hitter often times feels vulnerable to a pitchers breaking stuff. He believes if he attacks the pitchers first pitch that he could eliminate the offspeed stuff. Certainly, it is solid logic. Many pitchers think to get ahead so why not allow a batter to hit the "get ahead" pitch.

Quite the conundrum. Here is my opinion.

I believe that a pitcher should be asked to work in an inning. 3 pitch innings are no way to apply pressure to a defense let alone the pitcher. However, I can't argue with a kid that says "but coach, that 1st pitch is the best pitch."

The answer lies in the second batter of the inning. If the leadoff hitter leads off with a first pitch out, I believe the next batter should be given the take sign. If the next batter is a first pitch out then you would have two quick outs with a third batter approaching the plate. With 0 on and 2 outs, the most likely way to score a run is on a big blast. That very well could occur on the first pitch. I'm not a big fan of a first pitch take with 2 out and nobody on for this very reason.

Give the second batter a take and see if he can work a count. If he is retired, at least you have made the pitcher work a little bit.

This is certainly not a science but it's a good little debate for those baseball people.