Every pitcher begins an at-bat with a plan in mind. Sometimes, they execute the plan perfectly. Other times, things don’t go as expected. This was the case when Emmanuel Clase faced Kerry Carpenter in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the Tigers-Guardians ALDS. On the sixth pitch of the plate appearance, Carpenter hit a massive home run off Clase, giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead. This was the hardest hit ball that Clase had ever given up, and the first home run he had allowed to a left-handed batter all season. Clase had only given up five earned runs the entire regular season, and three of them came from this one pitch.
Pitchers are usually responsible for the home runs they give up, with each home run having a unique story behind it. Clase’s approach angle and pitch selection play a significant role in determining the outcome of each pitch. Let’s break down the anatomy of Carpenter’s home run.
Pitch 1: Clase delivers a cutter targeting the outside corner, but misses slightly off the plate. Carpenter takes the pitch, making it a 1-0 count.
Pitch 2: Clase repeats the same pitch, again missing outside. Carpenter remains patient and doesn’t swing, taking the count to 2-0.
Pitch 3: Clase changes his approach and targets the middle-to-outside corner, hitting his spot perfectly. Carpenter swings late, making it a 2-1 count.
Pitch 4: Clase throws a slider aiming down, but the pitch ends up high and inside. Carpenter swings and misses, puzzled by the unexpected movement.
Pitch 5: Another slider is thrown, this time aiming down, but again misses its mark and ends up in the middle of the plate. Carpenter swings early and fouls off the pitch.
Pitch 6: Clase throws a slider aiming down, but the pitch ends up in a dangerous location. Carpenter capitalizes on the mistake, hitting a home run that made a significant impact in the game.
Despite Clase’s attempt to throw three consecutive sliders for a strikeout, his misplaced pitches allowed Carpenter to take advantage of the situation and hit a game-changing home run. The intricacies of each pitch and the decisions made by both the pitcher and batter ultimately determine the outcome of the at-bat.
