pull the string

pull the string

In baseball, to throw a pitch at a lower speed than that of a fastball, known as an "off-speed pitch." After throwing fastballs all game, the pitcher caught the star batter off guard by pulling the string, striking him out.
See also: pull, string
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pull the string

Baseball To throw an off-speed pitch.
See also: pull, string
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • pitch in
  • throw smoke
  • pitch character
  • pitch on
  • paint the black
  • heater
  • dust off the batter
  • wild pitch
  • call balls and strikes
  • pitch (something) to
References in periodicals archive
Javed Iqbal said that no can pull the strings of NAB and if anyone do that then I will leave the bureau and in a response, NAB chief said that it is not the NAB's concern when will be elections held or not.
No one can dictate NAB, will leave if anyone does: Javed Iqbal
Danny Cipriani is a replacement again, which means Jimmy Gopperth will pull the strings at No.10.
MIND THE GOPP NOW
For the research, scientists were able to train 23 out of 40 bees, step-by-step, to pull the strings attached to three artificial blue flowers.
String-Pulling Study Shows Bumblebees Are Intelligent
I have lost faith in all parties because we the people are once again being treated as puppets while they try and pull the strings Jen Corrigan #BelieveNothing TRUSTNOONERUNFAST @FredNGingaBuns Our councillors are telling porkies to electorate, ignoring our views and doing just whatever they want @stupot207 ...on Free Radio plans to revamp playlist with hits from past decade Oh dear, they still probably play the same old tat as they usually do.
Tweets & Posts
George Ford, with just two starts, will pull the strings in England's opener against Wales in Cardiff next week and will be backed up by either Stephen Myler or Danny Cipriani.
England blow as they lose Owen; FARRELL OUT
With O'Loughlin ready to pull the strings once again, Huddersfield know their task has suddenly become much harder.
An inspiration; Opposition guide