Strategies Foul ball

umpire bill miller gives hand signal foul ball

on rare occasions, such in innings or ninth inning of tie game when runner on third base, fielders have been known let long foul flies drop rather risk losing game on sacrifice fly. sometimes, in situation, fielder not try catch ball close foul line in hope ball go foul @ last second—neither catching ball nor letting drop prevent defeat.

in different situations, foul ball may considered positive or negative outcome of pitch or swing. when there 0 or 1 strikes, foul ball counts strike, benefiting pitcher. however, foul ball may reveal batter has timed pitch , need make adjustment location of swing on next such pitch; called cut or swing. foul balls 2 strikes considered positive batter, since avoids strike 3 on potentially difficult pitch. also, foul balls 2 strikes increase pitcher s pitch count, adding his/her fatigue, providing small advantage offense. strategy of swinging on ball try produce additional fouls , prolong at-bat used against strong pitchers try drive them game sooner (and possibility of pitcher throwing pitch hitter can hit on); does, however, have disadvantage of generating more strikeouts.