Softball: North Torrance wins with a squeeze -- let’s discuss it

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One of the most ominous terms in sports is the suicide squeeze. Even sounds worse than sudden death.

The squeeze can be baseball’s most self-destructive play, as so much can go haywire. A pickoff, pitchout, whiff or line drive can turn the play into an inning-ending implosion. But if it works, it’s small-ball at its finest. Call it baseball chess.

OK, I’m obviously verging toward this...

In the Woodbridge Tournament, Olivia Alvarez booked for home as Alix Perez put down a squeeze. Alvarez scored, Perez’s bunt worked and North Torrance won 2-0 against Aliso Niguel yesterday. That’s why the Saxons (10-4, 2-0) are considered to be a favorite to win the Pioneer League crown -- because they can win with something as tricky as the suicide squeeze.

-- Anthony Stitt

-- Image from www.nytimes.com