GDT 5/18/18 Philadelphia Phillies (Arrieta) @ St. Louis Cardinals (Wacha)

[LoneStarPhan]

Each game is made up of many, many little things that can change the outcome of a game.

I did comment that it seems to me that umpires tend to often call a ball four on a 3-0 count a strike if it is reasonable close to (but not in) the strike zone just as I think they tend to call a pitch on the edge of the strike zone on a 0-2 count, a ball. In this game, Arrieta had the count 0-2 and made a tremendous pitch that was right on the edge and clearly in the strike zone, but the call was a ball, and yes, it made a huge difference in that inning and in the game.

Things like this even out over a long season and good teams usually, though not always, overcome and find a way to win. In baseball, even the very best teams lose quite a few games.

[Philsmania]

Each game is made up of many, many little things that can change the outcome of a game.

I did comment that it seems to me that umpires tend to often call a ball four on a 3-0 count a strike if it is reasonable close to (but not in) the strike zone just as I think they tend to call a pitch on the edge of the strike zone on a 0-2 count, a ball. In this game, Arrieta had the count 0-2 and made a tremendous pitch that was right on the edge and clearly in the strike zone, but the call was a ball, and yes, it made a huge difference in that inning and in the game.

Things like this even out over a long season and good teams usually, though not always, overcome and find a way to win. In baseball, even the very best teams lose quite a few games.

I've noticed that too aboutique umpires and often wondered why the don'the follow those ball/strike calls up with makeup calls.

[zambonir]

I wonder if the data really supports that, or if we only remember the ones that are noticeable (or seem to have an impact on the game, especially given that most 0-2 and 3-0 counts still end up where you expect them to.)