There was a case of violating the new pitch clock, which MLB introduced for the first time in the 2023 season, from the opening game.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman became the first player to violate the pitch clock rule in the opening game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field in Chicago on the 31st (Korean time).

In the top of the 3rd inning, Stroman got a ball count, 1 ball and 2 strikes against Christian Yelich, the main hitter of Milwaukee, at second base safely. 메이저사이트

However, it became a source of trouble for him to keep second base runner Bryce Turang in check for a long time before throwing the fourth ball. Stroman looked at Turang and finally got into a pitching stance towards Yelich to throw the ball, but referee Ron Coolpa automatically declared an additional ball count, saying that he had violated the pitch clock.

The pitch clock is a new rule introduced by MLB this season. In order to shorten the playing time, starting this season, the pitcher must throw the ball within 15 seconds if there is no runner and within 20 seconds even if there is a runner. The batter must also get into a batting position 8 seconds before the pitch clock ends.

The pitch clock, which was first introduced in the demonstration game prior to the regular season, contributed to shortening the game time as expected. The average game time was 2 hours and 35 minutes, 26 minutes less than last year.

Meanwhile, Stroman became the first player to violate the pitch clock, but he did not protest much. Stroman, whose ball count automatically became 2 balls and 2 strikes, threw 2 more balls and walked Yelich to base, leading to 1st and 2nd base safely. However, while blocking subsequent hitters, he blocked subsequent hitters without conceding. Stroman gave up three hits, three walks, and eight strikeouts through the sixth inning, and the Cubs won 4-0.