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In MLB The Show 26, scoring runs consistently is key to winning games. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player, there are basic strategies and specific approaches that can help you outscore your opponents more reliably. This guide breaks down common practices and tips to help you score more runs and improve your overall game performance.

1. How Can I Improve My Hitting in MLB The Show 26?

Hitting is a central part of scoring runs, but it's also one of the most challenging aspects of the game. In MLB The Show 26, players often struggle with consistency at the plate. So, how can you improve your hitting?

Timing and Pitch Recognition: Most players in MLB The Show 26 struggle with timing and pitch recognition. The key here is to train yourself to recognize pitch types early. For example, fastballs and off-speed pitches have different release points, and getting familiar with these differences will give you a head start. Make sure to watch the pitcher's wind-up carefully to anticipate the pitch.

Use the Right Stance and Swing Type: Different stances and swing types are more effective for different situations. For example, a power hitter like Aaron Judge may benefit from a more aggressive swing, while someone like Ichiro Suzuki may excel with a contact-heavy approach. Pay attention to your player's strengths and adjust accordingly. In general, it’s wise to practice both power swings and contact swings during batting practice mode to become more versatile.

Plate Discipline: Another factor is having patience at the plate. Don't chase bad pitches—it's a big mistake that most players make. By waiting for a pitch in your hitting zone, you'll increase your chances of making solid contact. Most players will swing at pitches outside the strike zone, which can easily lead to quick outs.

Situational Awareness: Knowing when to swing for the fences and when to just get a hit can make a huge difference. For example, if you have a runner in scoring position with less than two outs, you’ll want to focus on getting that runner home rather than swinging for a home run.

2. How Can I Make the Most of Base Running?

Base running can be a hidden weapon for scoring runs in MLB The Show 26. It’s often underestimated, but knowing when to steal, how to read pitchers, and when to advance on hits can give you the edge.

Stealing Bases: Stealing bases can be a game-changer, especially if you can get in the pitcher’s head. The best time to steal is when you recognize that the pitcher is in a rhythm, but they aren’t paying full attention to the runner. Try to time the pitcher’s windup, and if they take too long, make your move. The key is to pick the right situations to steal—generally, you don’t want to attempt a steal with two outs or when a hit could bring in the run.

Taking Extra Bases: Always look for opportunities to take an extra base. If a ball gets by the outfielders or takes a weird bounce, don’t hesitate to round the next base. Taking an extra base can put pressure on the defense and increase your chances of scoring.

Aggressive Tagging Up: When a fly ball is hit deep, know when to tag up. You don’t want to get thrown out at the plate, but being aggressive with your tagging up can add runs. Practice reading outfielders' arms and positioning to see if the throw will be strong enough to stop you from advancing.

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3. How Can I Get Better at Pitching?

Pitching is just as important as hitting, and in MLB The Show 26, effective pitching can limit your opponent’s ability to score. Understanding your pitches, the opposing batter’s weaknesses, and game situations is crucial for shutting down your opponent.

Pitch Selection: One of the biggest mistakes players make is relying too heavily on fastballs. Mix up your pitch types—fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and changeups—depending on the situation. For example, if you’re ahead in the count (1-2), it’s often wise to throw an off-speed pitch to throw the batter off-balance.

Pitch Location: It's not enough to just throw a good pitch; you need to place it in the right location. Hitting corners and low in the zone can induce weak contact and swings at bad pitches. Practice hitting different parts of the strike zone and learn where certain pitches work best.

Read the Batter: In MLB The Show 26, each batter has strengths and weaknesses. Learn to recognize these by studying the batter’s stats and tendencies. If you're facing a power hitter, you may want to avoid giving them pitches they can pull for a home run, like inside fastballs. On the other hand, if the batter is known for being weak against breaking balls, throw a lot of sliders and curves.

Use Pitchers’ Energy Wisely: Don’t burn out your starting pitcher too early in the game. Keep an eye on their stamina and adjust your pitch count accordingly. If your pitcher is getting tired, it’s usually time to bring in the bullpen. In general, avoid going too deep into counts if you can—fewer pitches mean more control over the game.

4. How Do I Build a Strong Team in Franchise or Diamond Dynasty?

Whether you're playing Franchise mode or Diamond Dynasty, building a strong team is essential for scoring consistently and winning games. But how can you make sure your team is as effective as possible?

Scouting and Acquiring Players: In MLB The Show 26, players can be acquired in multiple ways, including trades and the marketplace. If you’re trying to build a great team, prioritize key positions like starting pitchers, power hitters, and speedsters. In Diamond Dynasty, it’s particularly important to focus on getting rare players who can make a difference in big moments. If you’re looking to get ahead fast, you might want to check out cheap MLB 26 stubs on U4N store, which can give you more flexibility when building your team.

Team Chemistry: Team chemistry in MLB The Show 26 isn’t just a gimmick—it can actually make a difference in your team’s performance. Make sure to align players with similar playstyles. For example, stacking players who hit well with runners in scoring position or selecting pitchers who can work well in a rotation together can improve your team’s output.

Balance: Balance is key to building a well-rounded team. You don’t want to put all your resources into one area—like just focusing on power hitters or just on pitchers. You need a mixture of solid hitters, good fielders, and reliable pitchers. Make sure you have depth in the bullpen, as most games require multiple pitching changes.

5. How Can I Avoid Common Mistakes?

Finally, avoiding common mistakes is one of the easiest ways to outscore your opponents. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Don’t Be Predictable: Opponents will catch on to your playstyle if you keep doing the same thing. Mix up your strategies to keep them guessing. Whether it’s pitch selection, base running, or how you approach a particular batter, unpredictability can give you the edge.

Managing Stamina: In MLB The Show 26, managing player stamina is key. Running players into the ground can lead to poor performance later in the game. Don’t hesitate to make substitutions or take pitchers out when needed.

Play the Long Game: Sometimes, players focus too much on one inning or one at-bat and overlook the bigger picture. In MLB The Show 26, patience is key. Keep your focus on the entire game and be strategic with your decisions.