In mid-August, I watched a football (soccer) match. A team scored a goal in 80+ minutes. And a few days ago, that team scored another late goal. It’s very interesting to see a late goal because most of the time, a late goal would dramatically change the result of a match.
After watching the matches, I just began to think about each team's performance in late innings. To understand a little bit more, I decided to check on the MLB website.
Firstly, you might see the Arizona Diamondbacks have several walk-off wins this season. It’s not a surprise. The D-backs are good at scoring runs in the 7th inning or later. The team has scored 262 runs in the 7th inning or later thus far. In the 7th inning or later, they already smashed more than 60 home runs. Furthermore, the Diamondbacks led the majors with 770 runs.
In addition, the Minnesota Twins are now 3rd in the AL Central. They are fighting hard to clinch a spot in the postseason. And their ability to score in the late innings is surely a key strength. So far this season, in the 7th inning or later, the Twins have scored 253 runs, most among 15 AL teams. In the 7th inning or later, they already crushed 56 home runs.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals are now second in the AL Central. The Royals now have 679 runs, 9th most among 30 MLB teams. Among those 679 runs, 235 runs were scored in the 7th inning or later.
Moreover, don’t forget the New York Yankees. The team leads the AL with 719 runs thus far. Also, 234 runs were scored in the 7th inning or later and they already crushed 66 home runs. Without doubt, they are Bronx bombers. At the same time, the Padres and the Giants each scored 230 runs in the 7th inning or later, but the Giants have a winning percentage below .500.
Finally, the Baltimore Orioles now are fighting hard for the AL East title. One reason that the Orioles have played well in 2024 is that they can score runs, in particular, in the 7th inning or later. The Orioles have scored 710 runs, third most among 30 MLB teams. Among those 710 runs, 229 runs were scored in the 7th inning or later. A key thing that they can score so many runs is that they crush baseballs. In the 7th inning or later, the Orioles have 66 home runs.
Looking at those teams which scored more than 210 runs in the 7th inning or later, it’s quite clear that opponents have to stay focused during the game. In particular, facing those teams might be a challenge because a solid bullpen is necessary. The Yankees and the Orioles could punish you by crushing a home run in late innings. Well, except the Giants, other teams are still postseason contenders. A couple of weeks later, the final day of the regular season will come. With not so many games remaining during the regular season, it will be worthwhile to see whether those teams will continue scoring runs in the 7th inning or later.
No comments:
Post a Comment