Baseball is a game of infinite variety. (And sometimes desperate possibility.)

This page includes mostly suggestions for run production - it is the '3rd Base Box', after all. And it assumes you understand your players' abilities and the principals of percentage baseball (i.e. go with what usually works - not with what you hope might work). And remember, some strategies are also effective to increase an early-inning lead - with much less risk.

Consider, too, the fielding that's best against that offensive threat - for when you're on the other end of the stick.

3 R D   B A S E   S T R A T E G Y

In May 2003, we undertook an extensive review of all strategies for these key, late-inning situations. We added new variations and revised many. There are now nearly 200 possible strategy scenarios. Each with several possible outcomes that can advance runners, score runs, win games, or - unfortunately - produce outs. Make your choices then click the strategy button.

SITUATION	YOUR TEAM IS In a tie Down by one Behind by two HOW MANY OUT? NONE 1 2 BATTER IS Power Hitter Contact Hitter	RUNNERS ON   2ND 3RD   1ST
OFFENSE	Please set up a situation and click the 'suggest strategy' button.
DEFENSE	Understand the offense and you're better prepared on defense.
BETTER IDEA?	Email us your own strategy for this scenario.

For how-to help in getting your players ready for this, check the extra innings links to the right for hitting and running. And for more on the defensive options, check out our Coverage Clinic and Pitch Sequence guides.

To take this to the next level beyond WebBall, check our video guides for Coaching, Hitting and Baserunning plus our Recommended Reading guides.

More advice and tips on strategy can be found in the WebBall Insider newsletter. For current issues, subscribe below. For past issues, click here.