Aerodynamic Drag & Magnus Lift Mechanics
A batted baseball does not follow a simple parabola. Atmospheric drag ($F_d = \frac{1}{2} C_d \rho A v^2$) creates non-linear air resistance, while backspin generates a Magnus lift force ($F_m = \frac{1}{2} C_l \rho A v^2$) that fights gravity.
Tristan Peters' 104.2 mph blast with 2350 RPM backspin achieved optimal lift coefficients ($C_L \approx 0.28$), allowing the ball to stay airborne for 4.82 seconds and clear the 10-foot wall with ease.
Game Leverage Index (LI) & Swing Significance
Leverage Index (LI) measures how dramatically a play's outcome alters the team's total win probability compared to an average baseline situation (LI = 1.0).
When Tristan Peters stepped into the batter's box late in the game trailing by two runs with a runner aboard, the situation registered a massive 3.42 Leverage Index. His game-tying blast swung the win probability by +38.5 percentage points in a single swing!