Ambush Hitting is part of pulling ahead, but to really stub out competition in MLB The Show 25 you Buy mlb 25 stubsneed more: smart offense beyond the swing, agile base running, and a defensive presence that prevents the opponent from recovering. This article covers how to combine hitting, base running, and game sense to dominate games.

First off offense starts at bat. Using Ambush Hitting is useful, but concurrently you should work on understanding pitch speed, pitcher tendencies, and hot zones. Outside of ambush, discipline in swing selection—laying off balls out of the zone, being patient—is key. When you do connect, maximize contact by aligning your PCI well, choosing swings based on situation (power when behind in the count or when you need a run, contact or directional when ahead or trying to move runners).

Next base running. Too often in baseball games this is overlooked. But in The Show 25 base running has more nuance. Leads off base must be timed carefully. Watch for pitcher pickoff moves and observe how quickly the pitcher delivers to home. If the pitcher is slow to the plate or has a big motion you can take larger leads. But over‑extending risks being picked. Deciding when to steal or to take an extra base on a hit is a judgment call. If the outfielder’s arm is weak or the ball is hit deep, going to third maybe safe; sometimes pushing home on what looks like a routine out becomes the difference in tight games.

Sliding and diving into bases also matters. Close plays at bases are tense. Using slides properly (feet first or head first depending on angle) or using the appropriate button or mechanic improves your chance of avoiding tags. Avoid collisions that cost momentum or extra outs.

Third offensive pressure includes situational hitting. Bunting when appropriate, moving runners with sacrifice hits, hitting behind runners, using contact hits to exploit defensive alignments. If defense shifts heavily, maybe aim where fielders are less positioned. If the outfielders are shallow, drop bombs over them or use lob hits. If they are guarding the line, you can go middle or over shift.

Another lever is patience and count leverage. For example when you are ahead in the count or pitcher needs to deliver strikes, you can afford to be more selective, maybe ambush a side, maybe wait on a favorable pitch. If you are behind or two strikes, you need to protect the zone, maybe shorten swing, avoid chasing breaking balls off the plate.

Defensively, to stub out opponent runs you must be sharp. Having strong fielding, quick throws, accurate throws, reading runners helps deny extra bases. Outfielders need good reads off hits, infielders need to anticipate ground balls, double plays etc. Catching runners stealing, or cutting them off, can flip momentum.

Pitching strategies matter too. Mixing speeds, pitch types, locations forces hitters to be less predictable. If they try to ambush, make them wrong. If you see someone ambushing outside, throw inside or offspeed down away. Use breaking stuff and eye leveling to keep them off balance. Also adjusting your pitching strategy by inning matter: early on set up, middle frame pressure, later tightening, etc.

Finally, mental game and consistency. Avoid letting mistakes snowball. A dropped pop‑fly, a base running blunder, or swinging wild because of pressure can flip game momentum. Keep focused, use each at bat, each base run, each defensive play as opportunity. Over multiple innings, small advantages (extra base, forcing infield shift, getting a double play) accumulate. If you combine strong hitting (including ambush when appropriate), smart base running, disciplined defense, you force the opponent into shrinking windows, risky plays, mistakes. That is how you stub out competition.