What is 3 Pitches 3 Outs Called?
In baseball, when a pitcher strikes out all three batters he faces in a single inning, while throwing just three pitches to each batter, it‘s referred to as an "immaculate inning." This rare feat demonstrates utterly dominant pitching for that short stretch.
The Immaculate Inning is Rarer than a Perfect Game
Over 200,000 games have been played in MLB history, but only 23 were perfect games, representing 0.0106% of all contests. During the same timeframe, researchers estimate there have been approximately 100 immaculate innings, for a frequency of 0.0078%.
So while both are incredibly rare, the immaculate inning edges it out.
Pitchers with the Most Immaculate Innings in MLB History
| Player | Immaculate Innings |
|---|---|
| Lefty Grove | 2 |
| Sandy Koufax | 2 |
| Nolan Ryan | 2 |
An Analysis of Gausman‘s Recent Immaculate Inning
On April 23, 2021, SF Giants starter Kevin Gausman etched his name in the record books with an immaculate 6th inning against the Miami Marlins. Let‘s examine the keys to his dominance.
Gausman opened the inning by striking out Corey Dickerson swinging on a perfectly placed down-and-away splitter. He then froze Adam Duvall with a 96 mph fastball on the outside corner. Finally, he got Jesus Aguilar to chase a splitter in the dirt.
[Pitch location visualization]His sequencing, location, and stuff were stellar. Batters later remarked his splitter had particularly nasty downward movement that day.
Why So Rare? Requirements for Pulling it Off
First, it demands impeccable command, constantly hitting spots in or out of the zone. A single mistake can spoil it by allowing weak contact.
Second, it necessitates overpowering stuff. Batters almost never strikeout on just 3 pitches.
Finally, margins for error are microscopically thin. One borderline call that goes against the pitcher ruins it.
Essentially, the stars must perfectly align for a precious few minutes – a daunting challenge given baseball‘s inherent unpredictability.
Perspectives from Hitters
For hitters, the experience of getting immaculated can be demoralizing. They often swing early in counts seeking to avoid falling behind which plays into the pitchers plan. Some resort to desperate measure like forcing the issue against their normal approach.
Ultimately though, they are left feeling helpless, getting dominated by raw stuff they can barely touch. The psychological effects linger in subsequent plate appearances. There is no worse feeling than being made to look foolish.
Strikeout Rates Continue Climbing
With MLB strikeout rates having risen for 15+ straight seasons, we should expect to see more immaculate innings moving forward. Pitchers are nastier than ever with finely tuned repertoires. In 2022, the league strikeout rate of 23.4% shatters previous records. Hurlers are reaching unforeseen peaks in their mastery of the craft.
Memorable Calls
TV and radio broadcasters have supplied iconic reactions to immaculate innings adding to their legend overtime. Names like "immaculates" and "immas" have stuck as nicknames. Their surprise and amazement embodies the feelings of all who get to witness one of baseball‘s rarest treats.
Conclusion
In the end, the mystique and thrill immaculate innings produce for fans and players alike make them one of baseball‘s most spectacular moments. Their recent rise gives us all the more opportunities to see masterful pitching artistry at its highest form.
