re: MLB The Show 2012 (venting)

Agreed, I think it's a combo of working the count (which I'm terrible at) and hitting the ball squarely (aka hard). I've done the same as you with first pitch doubles, or homeruns and received "ok" at bat or "good at bat" (for a homerun) when normally those would be good/great at bats had the count been 2-0 or 3-1.

I did once have a 10+ pitch at bat where I eventually singled or something stupid and got a 40 point great at bat.

I would also point out that in rare instances that a throwing error is made on a bunt attempt I would have been safe on, I'll get a poor at bat simply because there was an error that the game assumes I would have been out on, when it was clear I was safe easily.