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PITCHING COACH
Each pitcher has up to four types of pitches, which correspond
to the
A
,
B
,
X
, and/or
Y
buttons. After selecting a pitch
type, press the D-pad to aim the throw, and then press
A
to try to make it a strike,
B
to keep it off the plate, or
X
for a pitchout (which the hitter cannot make contact with).
These and other pitching options are listed in the Post-Pitch
Selection table.
ASK NOMAR
What does it mean if there’s a star next to one of
a pitcher’s pitch selection buttons?
It means that’s his best, most effective pitch.
NOMAR SAYS
Pitching accuracy depends on the pitcher’s rating,
overall accuracy, and current stamina, as well as
where he’s trying to throw.
PITCHER STAMINA
As in the real game, pitchers are not machines. The Pitcher
Stamina Bar displays how the pitcher is holding up: green
means he’s at full strength; yellow
indicates that he’s starting
to tire and may not have as much snap on his curve or juice
on his fastball; red
shows that the pitcher is tired (and
very hittable!).
NOMAR’S PITCHING TIPS
Inducing Ground Balls/Fly Balls:
No secret here—
it’s just like in the actual game: batters tend to hit
under
high pitches (creating pop-ups and fly balls),
and
on top of
low pitches (causing ground balls).
Pitch Sequence:
Batters usually anticipate a fastball
when they’re ahead in the count (2-0, 3-1, and so on)
and the pitcher needs to throw a strike. Conversely,
batters expect a ball thrown out of the strike zone if
the pitcher is ahead in the count. Another way to keep
a hitter off balance is by throwing a different first
pitch each time you face him.
Hitters’ Strengths/Weaknesses:
Most Big League
pitchers keep a “diary” on each hitter—over time, this
helps them figure out which pitches, locations, and
pitch sequences are most effective against that player.
MOVE
CONTROLS
Post-Pitch Selection
Attempt to Throw a Strike
A
Attempt to Throw a Strike to a Selected
Location
A
+?
Attempt to Throw a Ball
B
Attempt to Throw a Ball to a Selected Location
B
+?
Pickoff Throw to a Base (while pulling
Left trigger move Right thumbstick Right to
first, Up to second, Left to third)*
l+R
Pitchout
X
Intentional Walk
b
Brushback Pitch
b
*Or, while pulling Left trigger, press
B
(first base),
Y
(second
base), or
X
(third base).