payoff pitches
Full-count deliveries thrown
In baseball, payoff pitches are those thrown when the count reaches three balls and two strikes—the pitch that will end the at-bat one way or another.
The batter either walks, strikes out, or puts the ball in play.
He's been clutch on payoff pitches all season.
The term captures the decisive, high-stakes nature of the moment.
- strikeoutBatter retired on pitches
- swing and missFailed attempt to hit
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
- high stakesSignificant potential for loss
- baseballBat-and-ball team sport
big league · fastball · slider · changeup · intensity · strike zone · hurls · pressure · heat of the moment · batters · batter's box · throw · anticipation · innings · full count · decision-making · control · closing time