<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Pitching in MLB The Show 25 can be the difference between a shutout and a blowout. While most players focus on basic mechanics like meter or pinpoint pitching, there are several underrated controls that can elevate your game. Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, mastering these hidden pitching techniques will give you an edge on the mound. Here are six controls you should start practicing today.

<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1. Quick Pitch to Disrupt Timing</h3>
<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Did you know holding *R2/RT* while pitching slows you down, but tapping *X/A* right after selecting your pitch speeds up your delivery? A well-timed quick pitch can catch batters off guard, especially against players who rely on deep pre-pitch routines. Just be careful&mdash;overusing this can lead to mistakes if your timing isn&rsquo;t sharp.

<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. Pitch Sequencing with Intentional Balls</h3>
<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Throwing an intentional ball (*Hold L1/LB + Button*) isn&rsquo;t just for walking batters. Use it strategically to set up favorable counts or bait aggressive hitters into chasing bad pitches later in the at-bat. This works wonders in online play where opponents often expect strikes in key situations.

<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3. Analog Stick Subtlety for Breaking Balls</h3>
<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When using analog pitching, small adjustments to the stick&rsquo;s movement can alter break and control. For example, a slightly slower curveball motion can result in a bigger, loopier break, while a sharper flick produces a tighter slider. Experiment in practice mode to see how these nuances affect your pitches.

<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">4. Pitch-Out to Catch Runners</h3>
<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Holding *L1/LB + Up on the D-Pad* triggers a pitch-out, moving your catcher farther outside. This is crucial against steal-happy opponents. Pair it with a fastball high and away, and you&rsquo;ll gunning down runners with ease.

<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">5. Defensive Audibles for Strategic Shifts</h3>
<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Before delivering a pitch, use the D-Pad to adjust your fielders. Against pull hitters, shifting your infield or outfield can turn hard-hit balls into easy outs. This is especially useful in Diamond Dynasty or when you buy MLB The Show 25 stubs to build a defensive-minded squad.

<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">6. Pause Menu Pitch History</h3>
<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Press Options/Menu mid-game to review your pitch history. This helps identify patterns&mdash;like overusing a certain pitch&mdash;that opponents might exploit. Adjusting mid-game based on this data can keep hitters guessing.

<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mastering these controls takes time, but the payoff is huge. Whether you&rsquo;re grinding in Road to the Show or competing online, small tweaks can lead to big improvements. And if you&rsquo;re looking to strengthen your roster, remember that MLB The Show 25 stubs Xbox players earn through gameplay can also be used to acquire pitchers with elite arsenals.