Trevor Bauer's masterful pitching performance in the Mexican League not only showcased his exceptional skills but also provided an intriguing glimpse into his thought process during an immaculate inning.
On April 21st, Trevor Bauer took the mound for the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League. The 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner put on a stunning display of pitching prowess, tossing six scoreless innings while striking out 14 batters. One of the highlights of his outing was an immaculate inning, where he managed to retire all three batters on just nine pitches, all strikes.
Bauer's immaculate inning was not only impressive from a technical standpoint but also from a tactical and psychological perspective. The pitcher's mic'd up video released on his X account earlier this week offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an elite pitcher as he dissects the opposing batters and meticulously plans his approach.
Bauer's analysis starts with the first batter, where he masterfully sets up a four-seam fastball on the inside corner. Recognizing the batter's weakness against curveballs, he exploits it for the second strikeout. For the third batter, Bauer anticipates an aggressive approach and counters with a cutter, which the batter swings and misses.
Slider for strike two on a wild swing - using PitchCom, the catcher signaled for slider again.
It becomes clear that Bauer has done his homework, as he predicts the next batter's tendency to swing at the first pitch and throws a cutter. He then proceeds to throw two consecutive sliders to start the third batter of the inning, putting him in an 0-2 count.
"One more for the immaculate inning," Bauer says to himself.
The batter takes his time fixing the batter's box, prompting Bauer to quick-pitch him, striking him out looking on another slider to complete the immaculate inning.
"F you - pay attention," Bauer says in celebration.
Bauer's performance in the Mexican League is a testament to his determination and resilience. After being an All-Star in Japan last year, he has continued to excel in Mexico, boasting a minuscule 1.50 ERA in his first five starts, while striking out 14.1 batters per nine innings.
His success in Mexico comes after two years of turmoil and controversy. In 2021, he was placed on administrative leave and eventually suspended for 324 games for violating MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy. The suspension was later reduced to 194 games, but he was released by the Dodgers before the 2023 season began.
Despite the setbacks and allegations, Bauer remains focused on his pitching and has found a new lease on life in Mexico. His performance is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, great athletes can rise above and achieve exceptional results.
Bauer's immaculate inning is a masterclass in pitching execution and mental acuity. It showcases his ability to analyze opposing batters, adapt his approach, and execute his pitches with pinpoint precision.
The first strikeout demonstrates Bauer's command of the strike zone. He places a four-seam fastball on the inside corner, which the batter chases and swings through. This sets the tone for the rest of the inning, as Bauer continues to paint the corners with his pitches.
The second strikeout highlights Bauer's ability to change speeds and keep batters off balance. The batter swings and misses at a breaking ball, indicating a weakness against that particular pitch. Bauer immediately exploits this weakness by throwing another breaking ball for a strikeout.
The third batter presents a different challenge, as Bauer anticipates an aggressive approach. He responds with a cutter, which the batter swings and misses. Bauer then throws a slider for strike two, putting the batter in an 0-2 count.
With the count in his favor, Bauer realizes the opportunity for an immaculate inning. He throws two consecutive sliders, which the batter fails to lay off, completing the rare feat.
Whether Bauer will ever return to the MLB remains to be seen. However, his performance in the Mexican League has shown that he is still a pitcher of exceptional talent. His meticulous approach, quick wit, and unwavering resilience make him a compelling figure in the world of baseball.
As the MLB continues to investigate the allegations against Bauer, his future in the United States remains uncertain. But one thing is for sure: his immaculate inning in the Mexican League will go down in history as a testament to his pitching brilliance and the indomitable spirit of a man determined to overcome adversity.
