There are many advantages to getting a ground ball over a fly ball or even a strikeout. There are very few ground ball extra base hits and no ground ball home runs. The wind blowing out plays little to no role when a ball is hit on the ground. It only takes one pitch to get a ground ball out which will lower pitch counts and increase innings pitched.
Multiple ground balls early in counts keep your fielders and umpire in rhythm. Your defense will be more active and focused, likely resulting in higher fielding percentages behind you. The umpire will also be more likely to give you borderline calls if you are aggressive in the Go and 4 Zones early in the count. Often times you have to prove to the umpire you can command the Go Zone before they will give Chase Zone strikes.
It is especially frustrating for the opponent when you can get ground balls early in the count the first time through their lineup. If you can induce a grounder within the first couple pitches, they are not able to see, time, and track the movement all of your pitches early in the game. The longer the hitter stays alive in the count, the better chance they will have at solid contact. Don't show your hand (all pitches) if you don't have to.
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