OMAHA — Opposing pitchers know when Cory Raley gets on base.
And they fire down the first base often, trying to keep Raley honest and stationary.
While Texas Tech fans boo each throw down to first because they want the pitcher to keep the game rolling by firing across the plate, there’s a beauty to each throw, after throw, after throw to the bag.
Because of the increased attention, Raley draws the first baseman closer to the bag, which opens up a hole through the right side for a left-handed pull hitter in Tyler Neslony.
Furthermore, the pitcher’s attention isn’t solely on the batter.