Blake Snell was dominating in Game 6 of the World Series. Through five innings, he gave up just one hit, no runs, and had only thrown 69 pitches. The Rays had a one-run lead in an elimination game, and Snell looked in total control. Then after a soft single with one out in the sixth, Rays manager Kevin Cash pulled him in favor of Nick Anderson. Snell was stunned and frustrated. The decision made no sense based on performance or even analytics.
Anderson had been struggling badly all postseason, giving up runs in most of his appearances. Meanwhile, Snell had handled the Dodgers lineup, especially Mookie Betts, who was hitless against him in the series. Betts also had poor splits against left-handed pitching, particularly against fastballs. Anderson, a righty who lives off four-seamers, was a dream matchup for Betts. On cue, Betts ripped a double, and the Dodgers pounced. They tied the game, took the lead, and never looked back.
Cash’s move was based on a general belief in pulling starters the third time through the order, but the data didn’t support that here. Snell had been just as strong deep into games, and Betts clearly struggled more the longer he faced lefties like Snell. The decision backfired fast. The Rays lost their lead, the game, and the series.