All pitchers have intent with every pitch.

It may seem like we want each one to go past the batter, but the dream scenario is a 27-pitch, 27-out perfect game where each hitter swings at the first pitch and sends a slow roller to first base.

While that is completely unrealistic, it is a dream; a vision of hope.

Every pitcher hopes when they whip their head around, following the fly ball that just left the plate, that the trajectory isn’t rising towards the moon or racing towards the gap.

This fly ball is doing neither. It’s just drifting enough that the runner at third will tag. After a moment to recollect my thoughts, I race to get behind the catcher and back up the play.

From this angle, I can see the entire field and have a great view to watch the runner I allowed on base track the ball and head back to third.

I watch my guy in right field set up, hesitating so his forward momentum will be with the throw…

And I watch the infielders lining up to prevent the runner at second from moving up. We’re going to concede the run and with a four-run lead (about to be three), that’s the smart play.

It doesn’t mean I have to be happy with it.