Inside the strategy behind Kyle Farmer’s game-saving defensive play for the Reds

With no outs and runners on first and third base in a tie game in the top of the 10th inning on Friday night, Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell had to make a decision.

Before every at-bat, the Reds adjust their infield defense depending on the situation and the hitter at the plate. In this situation, Bell had three choices.

He could have the Reds line up in “double play” defense with the shortstop and second baseman deeper in the infield to give themselves the best chance to turn a double play.

The Reds could put their infield in and sell out on getting the out at home.

Bell chose neither of those options and made the most aggressive decision.

“It’s a play that we have in our repertoire, I…