In MLB The Show 25, clutch moments often come down to a single at-bat—when you’re behind in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and runners in scoring position. That’s where mastering pinch hitting becomes more than just strategy—it becomes a difference-maker. Whether you're climbing the Ranked Seasons ladder or chasing program rewards, these 11 pinch hitting tricks can help you turn high-pressure situations into walk-off wins.

1. Know Your Bench Strength

Your pinch hitter needs to match the situation. Always keep at least one high-contact bat and one power bat on the bench. If you're facing a flamethrower, lean toward contact hitters with high vision. For slower arms, bring the slugger who can change the game with one swing.

2. Use Platoon Advantage

Pinch hitting is all about exploiting matchups. If a righty is on the mound, sub in a left-handed bat with good splits. Many silver and gold-tier players have drastic lefty/righty differentials—study your roster and plan accordingly.

3. Check Their Quirks

Certain hitters excel in late innings or pressure moments thanks to quirks like “Situational Hitter” or “First Pitch Hitter.” These quirks can give subtle yet impactful boosts in clutch scenarios, so be sure to factor them into your pinch hitter selection.

4. Take Pitches Early

When you bring in a pinch hitter cold, give them time to see pitches. Don’t swing at the first strike unless it’s right in your wheelhouse. This not only helps your timing but also increases the pitcher’s pressure and stamina drain.

5. Practice in Custom Practice Mode

Set up late-inning scenarios in Custom Practice Mode and simulate facing top-tier closers. The more you see cutters, sliders, and high-velocity heat, the more prepared you’ll be when it counts in real games.

6. Consider Opponent Bullpen Trends

Some players have predictable bullpen patterns. If you know your opponent leans heavily on lefty relievers, prep your bench with righty power bats. Recognizing these patterns can help you make the right call at the right time.

7. Burn Your Pinch Hitters Wisely

You only get a limited number of bench players, so don’t burn them early unless the leverage is high. Save your most trusted pinch hitter for that ninth-inning, game-on-the-line moment.

8. Pinch Hit for the Pitcher Carefully

In Diamond Dynasty, especially in non-DH modes, timing your pinch hitter for a pitcher spot is critical. Don’t wait until you’re down two runs. Strike while the game is within reach and momentum is shifting.

9. Use Contact Swings in Tight Counts

In 1-2 or 2-2 counts, consider using the contact swing for pinch hitters with high vision. This increases your odds of putting the ball in play and potentially forcing an error or bloop hit that keeps your rally alive.

10. Don’t Sleep on Budget Beasts

There are plenty of underrated, affordable hitters with strong pinch-hit potential. If you're looking to improve your roster without spending much, using a platform like U4N can help you manage resources wisely while staying competitive.

11. Keep Your Stub Balance Ready

Having enough stubs on hand means you're always ready to upgrade your bench when needed. If you’re playing on console, particularly mlb 25 stubs xbox, managing your in-game economy is key. Many players choose to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs to secure powerful bench bats, but smart flipping and event grinding can also go a long way.

Pinch hitting might seem like a small part of your game plan, but when executed properly, it can swing momentum and tilt the scoreboard in your favor. Master these tactics, and you’ll find yourself winning more of those tight, late-game battles that separate the casuals from the clutch kings in MLB The Show 25.