Braves fall victim to pitch clock as charged strike ends spring game vs. Red Sox

NORTH PORT, Fla. — On the final pitch of the Braves’ Grapefruit League opener versus the Red Sox, the Braves fell victim to the new pitch timer.

With the score tied 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Cal Conley was up to bat with a full count, two outs and the bases loaded. The Braves had scored three runs in the frame to pull even.

The pitch clock, which is making its debut in the majors this year, ticked down: 10, 9, 8 … Boston catcher Elih Marrero was standing up – not ready for a pitch – and looking at his wristband (perhaps readying to call a pitch).