Importance of Game Location and Scoring First in College Baseball

Abstract

This study examined the effects of game location and scoring first on performance outcome in college baseball. Data were collected from 10 teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Analysis indicated that game location and scoring first were both significant predictors of outcome. They also combined to produce differential effects on outcome although no differences were found in their relative importance. These results suggest the importance of scoring first in moderating the home advantage and provide further support for the relative importance of game location in predicting outcome.