Showdown Thread

[HollaMV7]

Re: Showdown Thread

Here's a couple of practical 2nd Inning Showdown tips for those, like me, that struggle in Showdown. Maybe everyone already figured these out but me, but I need every advantage I can get. I always look ahead to the next Moment/Showdown to maximize my lineup, if possible. If you already knew these, just say "Duh" and move on. You can humor me with a like if you're feeling generous toward old people that suck at Showdowns.

In the first showdown vs Bedrosian:
1. Like in all showdowns, put your 8 best hitters against a Righty in the lineup. Defense doesn't matter. You can't replace the pitcher, but you can PH for him at first chance.
2. You'll start with the bases loaded and your 1-2-3 hitters on base. Set your lineup to put your worst 3 hitters at 1-2-3, so they'll be on base and not hitting until after your 6 better hitters have hit.

Also, I welcome other Showdown tips and tricks!

Didn’t know you could get Bedrosian as the first mini boss. It’s always been Barnes for me several times. But also start with bases loaded for that one.

So here's a story from the other side of the tracks...

2nd Inning Showdown, like all the other Showdowns, is not easy......for me.

I've still yet to win one. I tried the 2nd Inning SD for the 2nd time today. I only won two of the Moments, but made it to the Final with a 3-15 deficit....facing Bob Feller. A daunting task for a mediocre hitter, especially since my team wasn't great, having won only two Moments.

I tried it anyway. I tried to be extremely disciplined. I never swung (sp?) until he threw a strike. With one strike, I had to perceive it as center cut. With two strikes, I always used Contact swing. I made him throw over 130 pitches before defeating me 10-15. I was starting to feel like I had a chance with 10 outs remaining at 8-15. But too many DPs, ill-advised swings, some bad base-running, etc and I was doomed.

Now what? Let's try it again!

Going into the final with only 3 runs is going to be tough regardless of who you face. You were unlucky to get Feller since he is the hardest of the three. Your strategy of being patient is good but actually works better against relief pitchers since they are out of energy around 60 pitches vs starters who usually don’t wear out until over 120 pitches.

Double plays are killer in this. Remember there are times where it is better to strikeout than hit into a DP.

[shark547]

Re: Showdown Thread

Yup, it may be against an offline opponent, but it's constantly connected to the internet to prevent dashboard cheating.

But tbh, I think the problem is that they have roided up the pitch speed on Feller to make him seem better than he is. Every time I faced him he was throwing way harder than anyone I've faced, even guys who actually throw harder on significantly higher difficulties

The thing is I restart my modem and router and all the BS goes away. There is a link between my issues and my internet. I restarted them tonight and zero issues tonight so far. The problem is that eventually it starts again. If it starts after I am all ready in Showdown final I am screwed. it isn't that the pitch speed is too fast. I literally can't swing fast enough to hit it. All most half of the pitch coming in is being skipped or my batter isn't swinging right away.

I used to think I couldn't play above veteran.

Then I restart my modem and router and I have to wait because then I swing way too early.

I can handle 100 when it isn't acting all crazy. I have no doubt that my internet is to blame. The pitcher stutters on the first pitch of the game and I know I am going to have trouble.

I remember someone talking about how they unhook their PS4 form the internet because it plays better. I don't know if it is my janky internet or what, but, I have issues with any DD content.

When it works right I destroy the computer on All Star. When it is wrong I can't even put the ball in play unless I sell out and just swing at every pitch. That only works if the computer throws meatballs....and some times not even then....lol

This has been driving me nuts for a while now. Restarting my modem and router has worked every time so far.

[NDAlum]

Re: Showdown Thread

One of you guys needs to set up a showdown business. Lol.

Pay for your service and login to our PSN accounts and beat all showdown modes. LOL

Kidding. Not kidding! Ha.

As of 4/13 12:30am est I will never attempt another showdown. I stink, I know I stink, and this mode makes me stink more than I usually do.

That is all.

Lol.

[JoshC1977]

Re: Showdown Thread

I tried it anyway. I tried to be extremely disciplined. I never swung (sp?) until he threw a strike. With one strike, I had to perceive it as center cut. With two strikes, I always used Contact swing. I made him throw over 130 pitches before defeating me 10-15. I was starting to feel like I had a chance with 10 outs remaining at 8-15. But too many DPs, ill-advised swings, some bad base-running, etc and I was doomed.

Now what? Let's try it again!

OK, the one thing I don't like about your approach here is the exclusive use of contact swing in 2 strike counts. You're really going to gimp yourself offensively. I haven't turned on the indicator in a few years now, but I am pretty sure that foul balls increase pitch confidence (albeit slowly). Even if I remember incorrectly, I still think you're exacerbating matters for yourself...especially if you're up against a high stamina pitcher that you're unlikely to tire enough to really matter.

Contact swing on 0-2? Sure. But if you're in 2-2 or 3-2 counts, you're going to be better off using normal swing in my opinion. Even if it costs you a couple of Ks, when you do make contact, you're going to be better off with a normal swing.

The other thing too; I've really stopped trying to 'game' the mode. I just approach my ABs like a normal game, I mix up my approach for each batter. Most people understand that you can't fall into patterns pitching, but I also feel it is true when hitting. The CPU is smart enough to pick up on your patterns and will exploit them. Maybe you work the pitcher deep for a couple of ABs and then get a guy with the first pitch quirk...swing away unless it is an obvious ball. A lot of my better hits are when I change up my pattern and catch the pitcher off-guard.

Being disciplined isn't just knowing when not to swing, but also knowing WHEN to swing.

[HollaMV7]

Re: Showdown Thread

What does confidence actually do for a pitcher? There is overall confidence and confidence for each pitch.

[JoshC1977]

Re: Showdown Thread

What does confidence actually do for a pitcher? There is overall confidence and confidence for each pitch.

The only thing I can say definitively is that they hit their spots a lot more regularly for that pitch. I don't believe it effects the break/velo but don't quote me on that.

If your pitcher suddenly starts missing, that's confidence going south (which happens if you get hit or throw too many secondary pitches). Get the pen started and/or do a mound visit.

You don't even need those cutesy little meters to tell you...it's very easy to tell.

[Dolenz]

Re: Showdown Thread

I don't know how I managed it but I finished the 2nd inning Showdown on my second attempt. The first run ended on the second boss.

I was not doing all that well as I finished the second boss but had failed as many minor challenges as I had won so I was at a 15-6 deficit. Somehow, and I am not sure how I did this, after the second boss I somehow jumped straight to the final boss missing my opportunities to close the gap more. I thought that I was toast since I thought that there was no way I could pull it off against Feller. But a two run homer here and a two run homer there and I could actually see the finish line.

I got Jason Giambi to third with 5 outs remaining and only needing 1 run. So I pinch ran for Giambi and his 23 speed. After a week fly ball to the first baseman by one batter I then managed to hit a line drive to the center fielder and was able to score the runner from third.

[Dolenz]

Re: Showdown Thread

But too many DPs, ill-advised swings, some bad base-running, etc and I was doomed.

Now what? Let's try it again!

It took some discipline but I learned that I needed to be very conservative with my base running. The outfielders throw strikes more often than not. In almost every case it is not worth the risk to try and take the extra base.

[HollaMV7]

Re: Showdown Thread

Finally beat the AL West Showdown for the first time today. Took me several tries to get past Ohtani but was able to today. Had a really good run overall and was down 12-15 heading into Verlander so that was easy.

[papadell]

Re: Showdown Thread

This is a marginal complaint with everything else wrong but I'm doing the 2nd Inning Showdown and completed a moment to get a silver pitcher. Was like ok, I only have 1 silver RP so this might work out......

the only RP in the round is a BRONZE

in a silver pitcher choice round

lololololololololol

[HollaMV7]

Re: Showdown Thread

This is a marginal complaint with everything else wrong but I'm doing the 2nd Inning Showdown and completed a moment to get a silver pitcher. Was like ok, I only have 1 silver RP so this might work out......

the only RP in the round is a BRONZE

in a silver pitcher choice round

lololololololololol

Haha really? Never seen that before.

I hate when the first Diamond round of the draft is all pitchers. Brutal.

[papadell]

Re: Showdown Thread

Yeah it was hilarious. Obviously didn't hurt the run overall but it's just in line with my complaints that the mode isn't really balanced with forcing us to pitch when it's offensive minded and such.

I think I went in against Feller like 15-7 so it wasn't too bad. Took a TON of pitches and his stamina still didn't really drain but his confidence went down pretty quick. Still had my G/S lineouts and hard hit stuff not falling including a G/S double play but I think I got it done fairly easy overall.

If I was robbed of a silver hitter in that round I would have been pissed haha

[doubledeuceR6]

Re: Showdown Thread

Man this mode drives me nuts with the hitting perks. Hit opposite field home runs on balls just touching the edge of the pci. Perfect /perfect or good/squared ends up being a line out. Arrrrrrghhhh!!

[doubledeuceR6]

Re: Showdown Thread

The 2nd inning wasn't too bad for me, did it on first go around but Shelfy with a new showdown video for 2 inning.

https://youtu.be/Qm5NU7cXXWk

I'd like to see an NL West video, that's one I've really struggled with and yet to complete it.

[buziii]

Re: Showdown Thread

I've still yet to complete a Showdown. I play better and seem to be on the brink the last few tries.

However, my latest was an epic fail that I couldn't pull off if I was trying. 2nd showdown vs Bieber, 13 outs, down 3-6. I usually have no problem with this one. I didn't even have a base-runner until after the 10th out. I got a weak oppo single and that guy was stranded at 1st. No strikeouts, no DPs (because no base-runners!). I hit the ball with every batter, they just always landed in somebody's glove.