Pitching to hitters with the "4 hole" open

Hitters should have a plan every time they step in the batters box. Sometimes those plans are more clearly defined than other times. One of those times is when the 1B is holding the runner on 1B and the 2B is in double play depth. This open a gigantic hole between 1st and 2nd. The pitcher and the pitching coach must consider this when calling and throwing certain pitches.

The first point of emphasis is if a left handed batter is in the batters box. The lefty is usually considered the most dangerous batter to hit the ball through that hole. This is for the simple fact that the batter could be out in front of the pitch and rollover a ball and earn a base hit. So, as a pitcher, what pitches would give the batter an opportunity to rollover and get a cheap base hit. THE CHANGEUP. The changeup must be thought of prudently with a lefty hitter in the box. A simple rollover could prove dangerous if the "4 hole" is exposed.

If a righthanded batter is hitting, a changeup has better chance of serving a good purpose. The righty usually takes advantage of that hole on a fastball away or an inside out swing where he has obvious intent to hit the ball through the "4 hole." In amateur baseball most hitters won't consciously think hit it through the "4 hole." In fact, I believe amateur hitters should not think about this.

What's this mean? It means lefty hitters prove more dangerous than righthanders when 1B is occupied because of that "4 hole."

You obviously can't pitch to a batter afraid of the fact that he has a big hole to hit the ball through. However, understanding that a hole does exist should provide a better understanding of how to pitch to each and every batter.