The MLB has made several changes to the game for the 2020 season, from the new expanded playoffs system, to the adoption of a universal designated hitter, to a new extra-innings format designed to prevent games from stretching on for too long. On the second day of the season, fans got to see what the new extra-innings rule looks like in practice – and it produced a highlight-reel finish.
In 2020, each half of an extra inning will begin with a runner on second base. With the Angels and A’s tied 3-3 after 9 in Oakland, Los Angeles was unable to drive in Shohei Ohtani from second base, handing the advantage back to the A’s.
Los Angeles pitcher Hansel Robles had a nightmare frame, with a hit batter, a wild pitch and a walk to load the bases. Robles was replaced on the mound by Hoby Milner – who threw just one pitch. Matt Olson smashed Milner’s first-pitch 77-mph curveball into the right field seats to win the game.
