If you're a right handed pitcher going against a left handed hitter there's a technique which you can use to get a strikeout almost 99% of the time. The first pitch can be anything you want but make sure it's a strike. Afterwards, use the Right Shift button and shift as far as possible to the right side (same side as your left handed hitter). Press C and as soon as your throw begins, move your d-pad slowly to the left, outside his batting range. Do this twice and you're guaranteed a strike-out at any level. Even the Legends level falls for this.