This guide will hopefully help you complete the 3rd inning showdown on MLB the Show 20. I’ve tried to provide as much information as possible to assist you. If anything is wrong or missing, or if you have some helpful advice to share, put it in the comments. Also, I’ve played through a few times now, but I expect I am missing at least a few alternate scenarios.
If you prefer video, you may want to check out these two videos:
Entry Cost
500 stubs
Perks
I always ignore pitching perks, since my focus is primarily on the elimination missions.
My favorite perks are Heart Attack (contact boost when losing) and Inner Peace (contact boost on pitches down the middle). Off the Radar and Defilibrator are nice ones to pick up as well.
The Draft
The 2nd Inning Showdown starts with the draft.
You are going to be offered these 4 players in the first round:
| Player Name | Rating | Primary Position | Secondary Position(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipper Jones | 94 overall | 3B | SS, LF |
| Shane Victorino | 92 overall | CF | LF, RF |
| Brian Roberts | 94 overall | 2B | N/A |
| Matthew Boyd | 88 overall | SP | N/A |
You are then going to be offered these 4 players in the second round:
| Player Name | Rating | Primary Position | Secondary Position(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Trammell | 84 overall | SS | 3B, LF, CF |
| Ken Griffey, Sr. | 84 overall | RF | LF, CF |
| Gary Carter | 84 overall | C | 1B, 3B, LF, RF |
| Bruce Sutter | 83 overall | CP | N/A |
Other Notes
You will be required to use a relief pitcher in at least two of the first five missions. And depending on how one goes, you may even need him a third time. For this reason, I would consider prioritizing a relief pitcher over a starting pitcher when you are forced to take one.
Missions Breakdown
1st Mission | Difficulty: Rookie
Situation
With a 1-run lead in the bottom of the 9th and facing a Braves lineup of Ronald Acuna, Chipper Jones, and Freddie Freeman, close out the game and don’t blow the save.
| Duration | 1 inning |
| Goals | Don’t give up a run |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | 1 run |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 2 silver perks |
| Other Rewards | 75 stubs300 experience points |
Strategy
This one is not too bad even if those 3 hitters are to be feared. I fed all three a steady dose of high fastballs until I had two strikes. And then an offspeed pitch just off the plate seemed always to finish the job.
2nd Mission | Difficulty: Rookie
Situation
Arguably, the best moment in Shane Victorino’s career was his game-tying Grand Slam in the 2009 NLDS. With bases loaded, score four runs in one inning with your Showdown Squad.
Strategy
Your 8th, 9th, and 1st hitters start on base, which means your first hitter will be whoever is in your #2 slot.
| Duration | 1 inning |
| Goals | Score 4 runs |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | 1 run |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 2 silver batters |
| Other Rewards | 75 stubs325 experience points |
3rd Mission | Difficulty: Rookie
Situation
On his Bobblehead night, Shane Victorino hit a walk-off home run to secure the win for the Phillies. In a time game, walk it off with your Showdown Squad.
Strategy
You start the game with your 1st hitter facing Hector Neris, a right-handed pitcher for the Phillies. In case you do not walk it off in the 9th inning, the next two relief pitchers you will face are also right-handed. So feel free to adjust your lineup accordingly.
| Duration | Until game ends |
| Goals | Win the game |
| Showdown Runs | 2 runs |
| Reward | 1 silver perk1 silver player |
| Other Rewards | 75 stubs350 experience points |
4th Mission | Difficulty: Rookie
Situation
One of Brian Roberts’ best moments was a no doubt walk-off home run against the White Sox. Pitching against Roberts and the Orioles, do not give up a run in the 9th inning.
OR
In 2009, Brian Roberts led the American League in doubles (56). With your Showdown Squad, tally two extra-base hits in one inning.
Strategy
In the second situation, you are facing John Means, a left-handed pitcher. You begin at the top of your order.
| Duration | 3 outs |
| Goals | Do not give up a run |
| Reward | 1 silver player1 silver perk |
| Other Rewards | 75 stubs350 experience points |
OR
| Duration | 3 outs |
| Goals | Do not give up a run |
| Reward | 1 silver player1 silver perk |
| Other Rewards | 75 stubs350 experience points |
5th Mission | Difficulty: Veteran
Situation
Tie game in the eighth inning and facing a Reds lineup that is filled with great hitters including Ken Griffey Sr., coming out with the win.
Strategy
The mission starts with you batting in the bottom of the 8th inning. You start with your 1st hitter, facing left-handed Amir Garrett.
| Duration | Starts in bottom of 8th (you hitting); ends win game ends |
| Goals | Win the game |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | 1 run |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 1 silver player1 gold perk |
| Other Rewards | 125 stubs400 experience points |
6th Mission | Diffficulty: Veteran (Elimination Game)
Situation
In this Elimination Showdown, take on the Cubs reliever Bruce Sutter. Enter the game with two on and fight your way back from a 3-run deficit before recording nine outs.
Strategy
You are facing Bruce Sutter, who is right-handed.
The two hitters on base are the guys at the top of your lineup, which means your 3rd hitter will be the first batter you use.
You may consider slotting in your worst starters in the first two lineup slots. Or, you may want to insert your fastest player in the 1st slot. You can always substitute when the slot comes to bat.
| Duration | 9 outs |
| Goals | Win the game |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | None |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 1 gold player1 gold perk/td> |
| Other Rewards | 1 silver player pack250 stubs1,000 experience points |
7th Mission | Difficulty: Veteran
Situation
A highlight of Alan Trammell’s career is his 1984 World Series MVP, where he hit .450 in the series, including two home runs in Game 4. With your Showdown Squad, tally two extra-base hits in two innings.
Strategy
You may consider trading out contact hitters for more power-based hitters. That said, even contact hitters are good for hitting gap-doubles. The pitcher for this mission has always been Daniel Norris, a Detroit Tiger left-hander.
| Duration | 2 innings |
| Goals | Tally 2 extra-base hits |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | 2 runs |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 1 gold player1 gold perk |
| Other Rewards | 150 stubs650 experience points |
8th Mission | Veteran
Situation
With Bruce Sutter and his lights out stuff on the mound to close out the game, walk it off against the Cubs
Strategy
You face Bruce Sutter, a right-handed pitcher. You start with the top of your order, so consider shuffling your players to take advantage of Sutter’s right-handedness.
| Duration | Until game ends |
| Goals | Win the game |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | 2 runs |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 1 gold player1 gold perk |
| Other Rewards | 300 stubs1,000 experience points |
9th Mission | Difficulty: Veteran
Situation
In 1999, Chipper Jones had an incredible season hitting .319 with 45 home runs and going on to win the MVP award. Taylly four hits and two extra-base hits in a 3-inning game with your Showdown Squad.
Strategy
You face Braves’ right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz.
| Duration | 3 innings |
| Goals | Tally four hits Tally two extra-base hits |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | 2 runs |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 1 gold player1 diamond perk |
| Other Rewards | 250 stubs800 experience points |
10th Mission | Difficulty: Veteran
Situation
Shane Victorinio’s 2009 NLCS was not one to forget for Phillies fans. He hit .368 with four exra-base hits in five games and was a catalyst for the Phillies. Tally four extra-base hits in a 3-inning game with your Showdown Squad.
Strategy
You face Phillies’ right-hander Vince Velasquez.
If you do not get your extra-base hits in 3 innings, then make sure the game is tied at the end of the 3rd. The mission will continue until the game ends.
| Duration | Until someone wins |
| Goals | Tally 4 extra-base hits |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | 2 runs |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 1 diamond player |
| Other Rewards | 250 stubs850 experience points |
11th Mission
Situation
Brian Roberts holds the Orioles franchise record in runs (810), hits (1,452), doubles (351), RBIs (521), walks (581), and steals (278) among second baseman. In a 3-inning game, tally five hits, three runs, and two extra-base hits.
Strategy
You will be facing right-hander Alex Cobb.
Same as above: if you have not completed the mission by the 3rd inning, you can buy yourself some extra time by making sure the game is tied at the end of the 3rd.
| Duration | 3-inning game |
| Goals | Tally 4 extra-base hits |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | 2 runs |
| Showdown Draft Picks | 1 diamond player1 diamond perk |
| Other Rewards | 250 stubs900 experience points |
12th Mission (Final Boss)
Situation
Situation
Enter the Final Showdown! Step into the box and take on Phillies Future Star starting pitcher Adonis Medina. Take the lead before recording 20 outs.
Strategy
Adonis Medina is a right-handed pitcher, so stack accordingly.
Also, you will not play defense. So, make sure to get your best hitters in the lineup regardless of position.
I would also consider adding a couple of your fastest players to your bench. You never know when a pinch runner may come in handy.
| Duration | 20 outs |
| Goals | Take the lead. |
| Showdown Runs Awarded | None (it’s the end!) |
| Showdown Draft Picks | None (it’s the end!) |
| Other Rewards | 1 gold player pack1,000 stubs2,500 experience points |