The runner reaches third base standing. Mom xxx Alex, the third base coach, frantically waves him on. After two strong swings, he knows now to protect the plate. Michael laces into one to third that’s caught. The next comes down the middle, strike one. Karim walks on four pitches. Fred steps in, deciding to crowd the plate. Realizing that Jose may want to pitch too carefully to the sixth hitter with weaker hitters following, Sean let’s Jose know that a walk would also guarantee seeing the top of the order in the last inning. Ricky, likewise, comes to the plate confident, to Sean’s delight. Upper cutting, Fred lofts a high fly to left.
