When Should a Team Bring the Infield In?
Stopping one run can be worth sacrificing a little range.
An infield playing at normal depth has more time to react and greater range. Moving the infield closer to home plate reduces that range but improves the chance of cutting down a runner trying to score.
Managers usually choose this alignment when a single run could dramatically affect the game's outcome. With a runner on third and one out, the defense may prefer to stop the run even if it slightly increases the chance of a ground-ball single.
The strategy creates a direct relationship between positioning and game situation. Early in the game, teams may stay at normal depth. Late in a tie game, however, preventing the run often becomes the priority.
The downside is that harder-hit ground balls can pass through the infield more easily because defenders have less reaction time and less distance to cover.
