How bigger bases, pitch clock affected Cubs’ Opening Day win vs. Brewers

Wrigley Field was outfitted with pitch clocks over the offseason. Rule changes, including limits on the time between pitches, went into effect this year. (Getty)

The safe call at second base came down to mere centimeters. Cubs designated hitter Trey Mancini’s toe touched the bag a split second before the bottom of Brewers shortstop Willy Adames’ cleats made contact on top of the base. 

“He’s probably out with the old bases,” said Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, who helped ignite that third-inning rally. “That’s kind of wild to think about.”