First off, it does matter the entire game, not just the first at bat. Statistically the top 4-5 batters will get more at bats because you turn the top of the order more often than reaching the bottom in a game...even a timed one. So explain to me your thinking in this please given the following scenario. Tournament is 70 minutes finish the inning single elimination bracket play and you can only bat 9. You are home team on minute 68. Inning 4 and your team is now up to bat but down 1 run. Because you were a smart coach your 9th batter, who is now batting, has your 3rd highest BA. She strikes out. Now it's 1 out and still down 1. Do you really want your best BA player batting next considering there's no one to move around the base? Or would you prefer the player with the best OBP up and on base so #2 can sacrifice to get them on 2nd, 2 outs, tying run on 2 and have your best BA player up to bat? She hits a single, tying run scores. Worse case scenario, ITB. Best case scenario #4 hits a bomb to score them for the win.why not just have the best batter bat 1st so they get the most AB’s? the order will only matter the first time your team comes to bat.