It's common practice among baseball managers to favor the righty-lefty matchups whenever possible for hitters. On Wednesday, Braves manager Brian Snitker defied that strategy to the point that it left the broadcast puzzled.
So, of course, it all immediately worked out.
With the Braves tied in the eighth inning, Snitker elected to hit righty Eli White against Cardinals right-hander Ryan Fernandez. Now, White isn't known for his bat at all — he brings speed on the bases and some defensive value. His career average of .211 against right-handed pitchers was actually better than his .