Time for more jokes

[Jeunemaitre]

Actually, the "bottom of the ninth" is a baseball term. The bottom of the ninth inning is the last chance for the home team to come from behind and win the game. If the home team is ahead after the top of the ninth (when the visiting team is batting) then the bottom of the inning is not played. In the case that the score is tied at the conclusion of the ninth inning, extra innings are played until a winner is decided, or a time limit is reached (I think the rule is that no inning can be started after 3 AM?)

In a situation where the bases are loaded in the bottom of the ninth in a game with a no score, the pitcher of the opposing team is under tremendous pressure because no room for error exists:
1. If he walks the batter, a run scores, the game is over, visitors lose
2. If he gives up a hit, a run scores, the game is over, visitors lose
3. If he gives up a home run, four runs score, the game is over, visitors lose
4. If he throws a wild pitch (or the catcher lets a ball pass), a run may score, the game is over, visitors lose
5. If the batter puts the ball in play, and a fielder commits an error, or is slow in fielding the ball, a run scores, the game is over, visitors lose

In short, the situation described is one with few positive outcomes. You'd best hope for a series of strikeouts (if your a fan of the visiting team).