To blow open the game in baseball is to gain a large lead in the game. When both teams were very competitive towards each other or if the score remained tied or close, the lead usually takes place.
Maintaining your large lead is a team effort. To make a lead, you have to understand what position you are playing. Here are the different tips for maintaining a lead:
- First Base
If you are on the first base, you have to keep your eyes on the pitcher or wherever the ball is. Observing the pitcher will let you know when the right time to start running is. You should also never cross your feet. If you do, you will have a difficult time trying to run when the time comes that you already need to run. Crossing your feet will make you run slower because you did not start with the correct position. Hence, the pitcher could pick you off.
- Second Base
If you are on the second base, you can help your team take the lead by looking to steal the third base with less than two outs, or if you already have two outs, you are committed to scoring a single to the outfield.
If you want to help your team have a lead through the first option, you should focus on planning a straight route to the third base so you can run fast and steal it. Never run outside the baseline unless you need to. The quickest way to the third base is the path between the second and the third.
Just like when you were on the first base, you should also still look at the pitcher. You have to know who has the ball so you can make better decisions.
- Think of Better Strategies
Sometimes, these tips will not help you at all if you are in different situations. You then have to devise a plan quickly on how you can help your team score. A good baseball player can play by the book. However, a better baseball player can think of strategies, but they still play by the rules.