Mastering pitch sequencing in MLB The Show 25 can be the difference between dominating the mound and getting lit up by opposing batters. Whether you're playing online or grinding through Road to the Show, understanding how to mix pitches effectively is key. Here are 17 tried-and-true pitch sequences that consistently keep hitters guessing—no matter the difficulty.
1. The Classic Fastball-Changeup Combo
Start with a high fastball just above the zone, then follow up with a low changeup. The speed differential paired with the location change makes this sequence deadly.
2. Backdoor Slider Setup
Throw two fastballs inside to establish the inside corner, then paint the outside edge with a sharp slider. Batters often freeze or swing late.
3. Sinker-Slider for Ground Balls
A low sinker followed by a slider breaking away induces weak contact. Perfect for double-play situations.
4. Curveball in the Dirt After Heat
After pumping high fastballs, drop a curveball well below the zone. Most players can’t resist chasing.
5. The "Show Me Then Fool Me" Sequence
Throw two identical fastballs in the same spot, then replace the third with a changeup. The repetition messes with timing.
6. Cutter Inside to Righties
Jam right-handed batters with an inside cutter after establishing fastballs away. They’ll often roll over for an easy out.
7. High Fastball, Low Splitter
The splitter’s late drop paired with a high heater creates a brutal speed-and-movement contrast.
8. Slurve Away From Same-Side Hitters
Against same-handed hitters, a slurve starting at the hip and breaking off the plate is nearly unhittable when set up properly.
9. Four-Seam Up, Two-Seam Down
Ride a four-seamer at the letters, then tunnel a two-seamer with late sink. Looks similar out of the hand but drops off hard.
10. Slow Curve, Then Quick Fastball
Disrupt timing by starting with a looping curve, then blowing a fastball by them on the next pitch.
11. Changeup First, Fastball Second
Reverse the usual order—start off-speed, then overpower them with heat. Works great against aggressive hitters.
12. Fastball Inside, Slider Away
Pull the batter’s eyes in, then make them reach for a slider breaking outside.
13. Knuckleball Chaos
If your pitcher has a knuckler, throw it after two fastballs. The unpredictable movement is a nightmare to track.
14. Splitter After High Heat
A high fastball followed by a splitter low and away is almost impossible to square up.
15. Slider Inside to Lefties
Left-handed hitters struggle with sliders that start at their hands and break back over the plate.
16. Fastball-Curveball-Fastball
The old 1-2-1 pattern keeps batters from sitting on any one pitch.
17. The "Waste Pitch" Setup
Throw a fastball way outside, then come back with a breaking ball that starts in the same spot but drops into the zone.
Final Tips for Success
Pay attention to opponent tendencies. If they chase off-speed, exploit it.
Vary sequences. Don’t fall into predictable patterns.
Practice tunneling. Pitches that look similar out of the hand are harder to read.
If you're looking to strengthen your roster to execute these sequences, you might consider options like buy MLB The Show 25 stubs to acquire top-tier pitchers. For those on a budget, searching for cheap MLB The Show 25 stubs for sale could help without breaking the bank. Just remember to always pitch smart—no amount of stubs replaces good sequencing.