Power Pros Forum

Here are some things I noticed as a pitcher in life mode. Wondering if the same for you guys. Playing on expert, in second year with normal character (no re-saves from success). 96mph, 'c' control, 'b' stamina. Avg abilities (some 4s).

(1) FASTBALL
When my motivation is low my fastball and other pitches lose 2-4mph. So i'm at 96mph, I will be throwing at 91. This is at the first inning and second innings with full energy too.

I've also never been able to pitch at my max speed.

(2) COMPLETE GAMES

My stamina is a B, around 130 but I can still pitch complete games because my pitch counts rarely go above 80. Anyone actually go above pitch counts of 100?

Kind of stupid how I get a lot of 1-2-3 innings with less than 9 pitches and zero strike outs.

(3) WALKS and CONTROL

I never, ever walk anyone and my control is only mid 'C's. The only bad thing about 'C' control is not having 100% pitch location so pitch does not always go into the batter's cold zone.

Pitching low has helped earn more ground ball outs, better than scary fly ball outs against the Yankees/Sox.

(4) STRIKE OUTS

Is it just me or is it a lot harder to strike guys out in expert. Even with a 96 mph fastball that is clocked at 91-93, I can't really strike someone out even if I hit the corners perfectly. I get 3-4k per game whereas in normal it's 10+ without doctor k.

The only way i'm striking guys out is 1) first pitch fastball 2) curveball/change up 3) 3rd pitch is to brush him back making the count 1-2 4) 4th pitch is a corner curveball or really good change up

My curveball is (2) and change up is (3).

if you can find a guy with a slow curve, that is fantastic.
just throw two fastballs, then the slow curve (a knuckleball works too.) because they will always be ahead of it.

Are you using Expert or Classic pitching? by mashing A (in classic) or holding it down (in Expert) after selecting the pitch, you can "spin" the indicator while you position it to increase power and hit closer to top speed. Be aware that this will make the accuracy go down (or the expert accuracy check go by a lot faster) and you use a lot more of that stamina.

The keys to hitting your "top speed" are: Top Form (pink dancing smiley face), almost full Vit bar, and a full powered pitch. I typically advice against it. For Example, Brad Penny in RL can throw close to 100, but you'll never see him throw that hard (like the all-star game when he busted the arm afterwards?).

Like SJ said, prepping batters for pitches helps quite a bit. I typically like to pull the string on the K pitch, but I may reverse it or do something different the 2nd and 3rd time through the batting order. Mix your stuff up and don't be afraid to throw OUTSIDE the strike zone (you'd be surprised that the AI will chase if you've been pounding the strike zone 100% beforehand).

It's all about location. But then again, I've reached my top velocity on neutral motivation. But anyways, it is about location though. My advice, throw a couple of similar breaking pitches, then throw the fastball up high. Usually, the AI misreads the pitch, especially if you throw a chang-up right before the fastball. Just never go down, it's easier for them to see the ball.

As for throwing breaking pitches as K pitches, for the curve, I like to attack the inside of the batter, so for righties, I would aim outside so it breaks in, and for lefties, start in and either keep it in, or let it fall outside, doesn't matter to me.

I just usually focus on the slider/curveball to slide and/or curve into the strike zone.

It all depends on the pitcher's pitches.....and the pitcher...
A good slider and a good drop curve are great to have...
And if you have a faster fastball and a circle change, plamball or fork..
..you can get a good amount of k's....
A knuckleball is always a "fun" pitch to have....