Get ready for an epic showdown! The highly anticipated ALDS Game 3 features a matchup that has everyone buzzing - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Carlos Rodón. But here's the twist: these two have an intriguing history, and it's not just about the home runs.
In their 21 encounters, Guerrero has never struck out against Rodón. Yes, you read that right - not once! It's an extraordinary feat, especially considering Guerrero's power-hitting reputation.
Now, you might be thinking, 'Well, that's just luck.' But here's where it gets controversial. While luck plays a part, the numbers suggest something more. Guerrero's expected batting average against Rodón is an impressive .392, which is far from the .588 he's actually achieved. So, what gives?
It's all about bat speed and pitch selection. Guerrero's bat has been lightning-fast against Rodón, clocking in at 79 mph or higher, resulting in a monstrous .363 batting average and a slugging percentage of .708. When his bat speed drops, his performance dips too.
And here's the part most people miss: Guerrero isn't chasing Rodón's best pitches. Despite Rodón's slider and changeup inducing whiffs from righties, Guerrero refuses to bite. He's only swung at these pitches twice in 18 opportunities, maintaining an 11% chase rate compared to Rodón's usual 33% against righties.
So, why is this matchup so important? Because it's a battle of wits and strategy. Rodón, one of the game's top lefties, has yet to find a way to get Guerrero out. But Guerrero isn't just sitting back either; he's selectively swinging, staying ahead in the count, and making Rodón work.
Will Rodón finally get that elusive strikeout in Game 3? Or will Guerrero continue his dominance? It's a question that has baseball fans divided.
Remember, pitcher-vs-batter stats are tricky. While past performance doesn't always predict future results, it's hard to ignore the patterns.
So, who do you think will come out on top? Share your thoughts in the comments! It's a fascinating debate, and we want to hear your take.
