The minor leagues’ new extra-inning rule led to a bizarre victory for the Clearwater Threshers on Monday night.
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Class A affiliate had no hits and no walks against the Tampa Tarpons, yet it beat the New York Yankees’ Florida State League club 1-0.
Clearwater took advantage of a rule introduced this season that places a runner at second base at the start of each extra inning to cut down on marathon games. The rule has been criticized by baseball traditionalists.
On Monday, it made it possible for Tampa to lose despite a nearly perfect game.
Meanwhile in the minors….
The Clearwater Threshers are no-hit, but they still win 1-0. pic.twitter.com/5mp2EYyzgX
— Cut4 (@Cut4) August 7, 2018
The extra-inning rule was part of commissioner Rob Manfred’s initiatives to boost the pace of play. Manfred has said the rule is unlikely to be implemented in the majors. This sounds like a little league move. Geesh!
Threshers were no-hit..and win! Clearwater sweeps the doubleheader from Tampa, 4-3 and 1-0, both in eight innings.
— Clearwater Threshers Baseball (@Threshers) August 7, 2018
