Horton credits batter-by-batter focus and tempo control as the key to his hot stretch
“Taking it one batter at a time, just attacking and really slowing the game down. That’s been the biggest thing,” Horton said of what has fueled this run. “When there’s traffic on the bases, just focusing on attacking the hitter and not worrying too much about what’s going on around me and just being locked into the target.”
Horton’s approach centers on staying locked in on the next hitter and maintaining a deliberate pace, even with runners on base. By simplifying the moment to a single at-bat, he aims to keep his mechanics steady and his decision-making clear, a mindset that has helped him navigate challenging situations without getting overwhelmed.
This kind of mental discipline is a common thread among successful pitchers: control the tempo, trust the process, and execute your pitch regardless of the surroundings. Coaches and analysts often emphasize that focusing on the hitter and the target, rather than the chaos around a crowded basepath, can reduce pressure and improve consistency.
For the team, Horton’s method offers more than just a stat line. It signals a steadying presence on the mound, a reliable rhythm that teammates can rely on when the game tightens. If this mindset continues, it could provide a stable anchor as the season progresses and more high-leverage moments come into play.
Additional notes for readers: To cultivate a similar approach, pitchers can practice a simple pre-pitch routine that reinforces focusing on the target, while hitters can study how pitchers pace their delivery to stay locked in game after game.
Summary: Horton attributes his current success to a disciplined, batter-focused approach that slows the game to a manageable pace, emphasizing the hitter and the target with runners on, a mindset that can bolster performance and team confidence moving forward.