No, you don't because it is not a compound sentence.
Answer:
The pitcher thinks that the batter is much better than he is.
Explanation:
The pitcher is having a mixed feeling of anxiety and respect facing the better, thinking that the batter is much better than he truly is.
Standard news stories are organized with the most important facts first. This is done so that people who only read the first couple of paragraphs get the gist of the story.
Also -- people tend to remember what they heard or read first -- when they are more alert and interested.
