Finish the eighth hitter off

During the course of a game you want to be especially aware of when the 8 hitter comes to bat. Retiring this hitter is one of many games within the game.

The leadoff hitter of every team is placed at the top of the order to put the most pressure on the defense. His role is one best served when he leads off an inning. By getting on base as a leadoff hitter, it not only puts pressure on the defense with team speed but it allows players hitting behind the leadoff batter to sacrifice and hit and run. This is certainly an inordinate amount of stress on the defense.

But, if that same leadoff hitter comes up with 1 out or even with a runner already on base, it could definitely mitigate the leadoffs mans ability to cause havoc.

So, the defense must be very aware of when the eighth place hitter has the chance to be the final out. By recording this out, it places the ninth hitter as the first player up in the next inning; a very important defensive strategy in attempting to win the game. Avoiding the leadoff hitter as the first batter of an inning should be a focal point of team defense.

Keep an eye on the at bats of the eighth hitter in a game. His success could literally determine a teams success by how it impacts the role of the leadoff hitter throughout the course of the game.