I don't like Roberts either, but didn't think it was terrible not to bunt in the 1st inning, especially when Brewers already made a quick pitching change.
Bunting gives at least one free out when their pitching staff is in a precarious position. And with runners on 1st and 2nd, bunts can turn into DP's or forces at 3rd rather easily.
It wasn't so cut and dry here IMO. Was worth it in this very specific circumstance to try and hang an early crooked number.
I don't like Roberts either, but didn't think it was terrible not to bunt in the 1st inning, especially when Brewers already made a quick pitching change.
Bunting gives at least one free out when their pitching staff is in a precarious position. And with runners on 1st and 2nd, bunts can turn into DP's or forces at 3rd rather easily.
It wasn't so cut and dry here IMO. Was worth it in this very specific circumstance to try and hang an early crooked number.
I certainly miss the old school small ball. Bret Butler with 20 bunt singles a year, would choke up on the at and foul off pitch after pitch.
Today's game is different and I would wager most players cannot effectively bunt. They even struggle with the productive outs, hitting the other way to move the runners over.
But in this case there was no reason to bunt. Maybe the thing would have been to pinch hit Pederson for Freese. Freese was only in the lineup because Miley was "starting".
The odd play to me was when Woodruff was bunting in the third, and the Dodger 1B let it roll foul when he could have made the out. Always take the out who cares if the runner gets to second. Ultimately it did not cost the dodgers except maybe an additional 10 to 12 pitches to get out of the inning.
I certainly miss the old school small ball. Bret Butler with 20 bunt singles a year, would choke up on the at and foul off pitch after pitch.
Today's game is different and I would wager most players cannot effectively bunt. They even struggle with the productive outs, hitting the other way to move the runners over.
But in this case there was no reason to bunt. Maybe the thing would have been to pinch hit Pederson for Freese. Freese was only in the lineup because Miley was "starting".
The odd play to me was when Woodruff was bunting in the third, and the Dodger 1B let it roll foul when he could have made the out. Always take the out who cares if the runner gets to second. Ultimately it did not cost the dodgers except maybe an additional 10 to 12 pitches to get out of the inning.
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so. It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly. Covers does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality. Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it. As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.