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It is NOT bases loaded, there are 2 outs. Pitcher due up after current hitter. Yet, the pitcher pitches to 8th hitter instead of just walking bases loaded taking chances against the pitcher? Unless, the pitcher is a world-beater at the plate (very few are) this would seem to be a no-brainer. I suppose it's not to some managers/pitchers.

The 8th hitter is usually a very weak hitter so retiring him then having the pitcher lead off the next inning takes away an out when the top of the order and the better hitters get their turn.

The number of runs the eighth hitter generates in this scenario is far fewer than those saved by having the top of the order come up with one out.

Well, while you may be correct or this may be an applicable strategy; I disagree with the philosophy. Even if the 8th hitter is considered "weak", that hitter most likely still gets 4-5 at bats per game every single day. However, a pitcher gets potentially only 2-3 bats once every 5-6 days (and the pitcher is much weaker than the 8th hitter). The chance of the 8th hitter getting a hit is more likely than the pitcher.
The prevention of runs scoring at all would seem to be the goal instead of worrying about the following inning. If the 8th hitter strikes, the following inning is ruined already anyway plus you would now be behind.
I consider that intentionally walking the 8th hitter has to be the most logical choice nearly every single time with runners on base and 2 outs in the inning.

Every situation is different. There are times when I would walk the 8th hitter.....
Righty vs. lefty
Lefty vs. righty
A hot 8th hitter
A pitcher in which the Mgr. has lost a little trust....

There are times I'd go after the 8th hitter.....
The pitcher has a lot of trust
The 8th hitter is flailing
A good lead on the scoreboard
Pitcher has a good history against the 8th hitter....

Each situation is different.
The 8th hitter vs. a pitcher cannot be either an automatic walk or an automatic at bat.
Pitching around the hitter or letting the hitter fall behind in the count by swinging at pitches out of the strike zone, then coming after him are also options.
There is no pat answer between intentionally walking him or letting him hit.

I am specifically referring to a tie game or very close game. I did not state that, but I am now. In any case, when the game is close no matter the inning; I walk that 8th hitter every time in the specific situation where there are 2 outs and runner(s) in scoring position and go after the pitcher. However, time and time again they pitch to the 8th hitter in this situation.

GetALife wrote:I am specifically referring to a tie game or very close game. I did not state that, but I am now. In any case, when the game is close no matter the inning; I walk that 8th hitter every time in the specific situation where there are 2 outs and runner(s) in scoring position and go after the pitcher. However, time and time again they pitch to the 8th hitter in this situation.

What Doughy says is correct - context is everything.

However...

MOST of the time, if it's after the 6th inning you'll now be pitching to a pinch-hitter often better than the 8th hitter.

And if it's earlier than the 6th, and the pitcher would actually hit for himself, the run expectancy matrix says you're making a mistake. That is, it's not me saying I differ philosophically. You can figure out the probability of runs scoring that inning and the next and the combined total is less by going after the #8 hitter.

darn; yes before they would start pinch hitting too. I forgot about that. Certainly, later in the game it would make sense to go after the 8th hitter. However, pinch hitters generally have a cold bat by sitting there all game; and many could be as weak as the 8th hitter (unless it is a regular sitting that day, etc.).