Turn any player into the ace of your Diamond Dynasty. Pitching is one of the most important parts of baseball. Shut out the other team and your hitters hardly have to do anything to win. Increase your confidence and stamina on the mound to make fewer calls to the bullpen.

Pitch Settings: Find Your Comfort Zone

Comfort is crucial. Finding the proper settings is like deciding to pitch from the stretch or full windup. One option works best for some people, but both are variable.

Pitching Interface

• Pure Analog: Use the right stick for velocity/release
• Meter: Press X to operate the meter
• Classic: Press X without meters
• Pulse = timing-based using X (small meter = more accurate

Pure Analog gives you the most control so you can recognize, mitigate, and fix mistakes. However, it’s possible to excel with another setting like Meter. It comes down to preference. The higher the pitcher’s control, the easier it is to hit the desired spot. Some pitchers have longer motions, so the timing is different. Always look at the Pitching Interface to time the pitch, not the pitcher.

Pitch Feedback

Receive tips after every pitch. Leave it on for constant advice

Pitching View

Pitching View changes your perspective of the pitcher and the plate.

Pitcher Offset places the camera behind the mound. Some people like to pitch from behind the catcher. Others prefer the Outfield view. However, it can be harder to tell when players steal from the Outfield perspective. Fortunately, the commentators alert you to any active runners. Play with all of the options for a few hitters to find a favorite.

Pitching Ball Marker

Classic shows starting points and break patterns for every pitch, while Pitch Trail displays the pitch trajectory and ending point. Either can be set to On or Fade. Classic gives you a good idea of pitch movement. The arrows show the ball’s path and help you determine pitch selection and placement based on Pitcher Confidence.

Pitching Tips & Tricks for Diamond Dynasty and Online Matches

Head to Custom Practice to mess around with different settings. Work on timing your Pitching Interface before jumping into a game. Master the basics like pitch placement then move to actual games for real practice. Feel free to start with games against the computer before playing people. All players have different habits and tendencies, so facing a computer opponent further diversifies the batters you will face without the pressure of an actual game.

Play a few games against the computer to get a knack for real in-game situations. Don’t throw meatballs down the middle of the plate. Instead, avoid the red squares in the strike zone and pitch to the player's weak points.

Practice with players you will use in your Diamond Dynasty to expedite growth. Every pitcher has their own nuances that make them unique. Whether that’s their windup, stamina, confidence, or pitch selection, practice to achieve consistency.

You feel like an ace and are ready to challenge some Silver Sluggers. Playing against other people introduces mind games to matchups. Pitch in different places and throw unique pitches to learn their habits. Ask yourself what do they struggle to hit, what do they look for at the plate, and when do they excel? Is it a fluke the first time they clobber a ball or is it a sign of their skill? Study your opponent in the first few innings to adapt and capitalize on their tendencies by the middle of the game.

Be smart. Your opponent will likewise analyze your pitches. Avoid patterns. Don’t always throw off-speed pitches when the count is in your favor. Mix up placement and pitches often to keep the other player guessing. Condition opponents to anticipate something like a curveball then catch them looking with a fastball.

Pitching with a lead is always easier than pitching from behind because there’s less pressure. You also have more room for less risky pitches and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to walk batters. Test their patience and eye at the plate with low curves that drop just outside of the strike zone. Jam players with fastballs high and inside. If something works, keep doing it and force the other player to adjust before shifting your strategy.

Remember pitchers must face 3 batters before leaving the mound. Perfect your pitches to make 3 batter minimum rule irrelevant.