The pitch clock has been a resounding success through the first few weeks of the 2023 MLB regular season. With the new rules, MLB has achieved exactly what it set out to do: shorter game times and more action.
But during the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers game on Friday, a fairly significant fault in the system was found. Cody Bellinger’s homecoming to Los Angeles was highlighted by the game. Prior to signing with the Cubs in the summer, Bellinger played his first six seasons of professional baseball with the Dodgers. With the Dodgers, he received MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. He also contributed to their 2020 World Series triumph.
The Dodgers and their supporters wanted to express their gratitude for Bellinger’s return as a result. Before the game began, Bellinger received a warm reception from the crowd and gave them a tip of the hat in appreciation.
In the second inning, supporters once more stood up and cheered Bellinger as he approached the plate. He gave the crowd another little nod before preparing to strike. At that point, the umpire called time on the contest and cited Bellinger for a pitch-clock infraction.
Bellinger didn’t seem too upset about the sequence, though he did begin the at-bat with one strike. Six pitches later, Bellinger grounded out to first base. He finished the contest 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in the Cubs’ 8-2 win.