1.   Because umpires are calling higher strikes, batters have expanded their hitting zone.

2.   He has learned to keep the ball out of the hitting zone at all costs, which is smart to a point.

3.   Sheffield said Piazza suggested they both need to stay on their back leg longer, which would help their hands come through the hitting zone quicker.

4.   With wood, Cuban batters will have to cut down those swings, getting the head of the bat through the hitting zone faster.

5.   After struggling in the first set, Stevenson eventually overpowered Raymond as the ball started to bounce into her hitting zone.

6.   But eventually she overpowered Raymond as the ball started to bounce into her hitting zone.

7.   Replays showed that Walker did not swing through the hitting zone, and the Colorado second baseman tossed his bat away in disgust and twice gestured toward Hodges.