How does this happen?

Two outs, John Olerud, stealing D 3/- (15-6) on first base down by 4 runs.
Groundball hit to Crosetti (1e18) registers as a single.

The only way Crosetti can give up a single is if Olerud is held on first.
Under normal circumstances, Olerud would not be held on. And particularly down by 4 runs, he is a meaningless runner and I wouldn't even hold Ty Cobb.
Any idea what's going on?

Of course, 4 runs eventually score before I can get the third out and it sends the game to extra innings and an eventual loss.

1 J.Olerud 4-9 Single (RF) b-1 F4
SUBSTITUTION at P: Al Brazle (L)
SUBSTITUTION at RF: Dave Howard
1 1 P.Garner 3-9 Pop Out (3B) b-0 F9
2 1 H.Walker 6-10 Single (SS) 1-2 b-1 gb(SS)x F9
https://365.strat-o-matic.com/game/playbyplay/454363/577

labratory,

I found out long ago that the hold logic is very simplistic in the online version of the game and basically is all based on the chance to successfully steal (i.e. the 15). I haven't done a detailed analysis recently but it automatically holds at a minimum successful steal chance at somewhere between 50% and 65% (and I think the pitcher hold and catcher arm is factored into that determination), regardless of the chance to get the lead or regardless if the runner has an asterick.

I don't know if you are familiar with the CD game and setting up manger settings there, but in the CD game you can set much more specific logic, like only hold asterick stealers, or only hold if chance to get lead > (set your %). I think you can also set run specific settings to avoid holding non asterick runners or any runner with a 4 run lead, but alas that isn't the base logic built into the online game.

I discovered it much like you just did, I held Ted Kluszewski and his 3/- (13 - 6) and lost in a very similar fashion.

Childsmwc,
Thanks for the explanation. I always thought it had a more realistic understanding of situational baseball. But it makes sense since I've never seen a runner advance on defensive indifference- which would have been more fitting to the situation.

There are always times when HAL brings in the wrong pitcher or puts a substitute fielder in a nonsensical position. But I can't remember this one before.