Major League Baseball 2007: The Show -- Avoiding the Deathknell that is the 5th

[MrAngryFace]

Im currently running a pitching character through the minors in the Road to the Show Mode, and it has taught me a shitload about pitching in the game. Unfortunately im still learning how to hold on to games.

For about eight games in the normal minor league season I couldn't seem to make it past the 4th inning without the batters catching on to some of my bullshit pitches. I couldn't figure out wtf was going on, I always started out so strong and rocked innings 1-3 in style, but by the 4th the batters are all reaching the gaps and nailing some of my trickier sinkers.

I ended up dumping all training points after game 8 into LONG DISTANCE RUNNING. It seems to have improved my ability to keep pitching speeds and control up in the 4th. Pitching Coach is also important. Initially I had been dumping some points into improving my sinker..which is a good pitch for me, but I couldn't last 3 innings and a good sinker won't save you from three at bats in the 4th when youre fuckin worn out.

So I would suggest if youre running a pitcher through this mode to dump all training points into Long Distance Running and Pitching Coach. Once you can pitch 6 innings without flaking out then maybe focus on increasing speed and control of your specific pitches.

As a side I hate how the coach never pulls me out when its clear im done

[MrAngryFace]

Jesus christ the minor league team im in cant hit worth shit. I give them 5 innings without a run and they give me nothing. BULLSHIT.

[bluemax]

I've been playing this on PSP with a pitcher and I've mostly been dumping points into the control of my 3 pitches and a bit into pitching coach. I find that durability isn't an issue as I can make it to the 5th easily if I'm locating my pitches. Locating my shitty pitches is the problem for me. Maybe its because I didn't read the manual (but this game looks just like MVP 05 when it comes to pitching) or the tiny PSP screen throwing me off but I have a hard time consistently throwing my secondary pitches for strikes.

I also kind of hate how the goals put more emphasis on pitching to contact than striking dudes out. I guess it makes sense since you have mediocre stuff to start, but sometimes you get burned hard by your defense. I went through spring training a couple of times because my defense was killing me almost every start.