Good wood: MLB hitters cutting down on strikeouts, even in age of increased velocity

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona's Ketel Marte was on the defensive in the 10th inning of a recent game between the Diamondbacks and Reds, desperately fouling off a handful of 100 mph heaters and 90 mph sliders from Cincinnati flamethrower Graham Ashcraft in a riveting battle.

Then on the 13th pitch of the at-bat, the All-Star second baseman muscled a 99 mph cutter into right-center field for a tying single.

Score one for Major League Baseball's hitters.

Ever so slightly, they appear to be winning a few more of these battles and getting some wood on the baseball.

“Good things happen when you put it in play,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said.

It's a mantra that's usually true — but also easier said than done — particularly in the days of the widespread 95 mph fastball. Strikeouts have boomed o