Here’s another example of why managers will never get it. Tonight’s Cub game:
Cubs score in the 9th to take a 5-4 lead over the Dodgers. They then have first and third, one out, with Soto up. Aside from the fact that Soto already struck out twice, you have to get the run in and not play for a big inning. Two reasons, which I’ve always said. One, a 2-run lead is much different than an 1-run lead going into the bottom of the ninth. Two, if you don’t score the runner from third with less than two outs, the other team has a good chance of scoring due to the momentum change. Lou doesn’t squeeze, Cubs don’t score.
In the bottom of the 9th, Wood gives up a leadoff double due to the momentum change. From that point on, every fastball he threw, and he was throwing 96-98, was blown by the hitters. They had no chance. For some reason, he kept throwing sliders, and ended up loading the bases by hitting and walking guys. I was screaming fastball from the second batter of the inning, but Lou never figured this out. A batter or two later, Brenly (the TV announcer) kept saying throw fastballs. Finally, bases loaded, 2-0 on the batter, they decide to throw fastballs and Wood blows the guy away.
Please explain to me what game Piniella was watching.