Walks + Errors = 5 or Less
When your team is in the field, pitching and playing defense, the goal is to get 3 outs and get off the field. Every opposing batter that steps into the batters box is an opportunity to get an out. You just need 3 outs per inning, or 21 outs per 7 inning game.
Everything else being equal, the top hitters in youth baseball will reach base on a hit 30-45% of the time. That means they make more outs than hits. The other hitters will reach base on a hit 20-30% of the time. They make a lot more outs than hits.
So, the challenge on defense is to convert at-bats into outs. Two things get into the way of achieving this - WALKS and ERRORS. Every WALK and ERROR is a missed opportunity for an out.
Defensive WALKS and ERRORS are going to happen. Our players not robots.
But, if we can limit WALKS + ERRORS to 5 or less in a specific game, we will have 80% chance of winning that game.
Opposing hitters will make outs if we force them to put the ball in play and then we make routine plays. We only need 3 outs per inning, 21 total outs per game to lock it down.
So WIN 3 INNINGS and/or KEEP WALKS + ERRORS at 5 or less. Those are two elements to winning. Competing every inning, and every at bat in the field.
Next up - Quality-At-Bats at the plate.
