I'm sure most of you saw this game; I have a question regarding your thinking as a coach in the situation USC faced in bottom of 11th. Recap if you didn't see it: bottom 11th, score tied 2-2. SC on defense (home team). UVA has bases loaded, 1 out. SC MIF is playing back, maybe half way (definitely not on grass). UVA batter hits into 6-4-3 DP.
Obviously, Ray Tanner knows what he is doing. I am curious as to what you consider as a coach when deciding to play your MIF in/back w/ the winning run on 3B?
I know with 0 outs, you have to play IF in. I think it gets tricky w/ 1 out and bases loaded.
If I'm in Tanner's shoes, I'm considering the "stuff"/tendencies of my pitcher (sinker/slider guy vs. fly ball pitcher) plus speed and tendencies of batter (if batter is 3.9, home to 1b, highly unlikely he's getting doubled up). As I am typing, USC has turned another DP in top of 13th w/ 1 out and go ahead run on 3B!
Thoughts?
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