Only the second day into spring training action and MLB’s new pitch clock rules have already resulted in a bizarre ending during a Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves game Saturday.
With the game tied 6-6 and two out in the bottom of the ninth, Braves infielder Cal Conley was at the plate with the bases loaded and a full count but failed to be alert in the batter’s box before the pitch clock reached eight seconds.
By MLB’s new rules, Conley was given an automatic strike, and the game ended in a tie.
Postgame, the 23-year-old said: “The umpire said I was looking down. I was looking down at the catcher as he was standing up. Not really sure if the pitcher was ready to go, catcher definitely wasn’t.”
The pitch clock rules say hitters need to be alert to the pitcher with eight seconds remaining and catchers just need to be in the box behind home plate with nine seconds remaining, either crouched or standing.
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The new clock has stirred up debates on how the rule will affect the sport.
While the first batch of spring training games have been shorter than games were a year ago, there have been a handful of at-bats where automatic balls or strikes have been called.
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After a full spring training of playing and practising under the clock, players will hopefully be prepared when Opening Day comes around so that there aren’t any violations in high-leverage situations — as we saw on Saturday.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi actually credited the pitch clock to his strong outing, in which he struck out five in two innings of work.
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Of course, players have nearly five more weeks to adapt to the new rules. Nonetheless, that adjustment period could cause some more dramatic moments throughout the spring.
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