Pitch Clock Paying Off: MLB Sees Decrease in Game Time
The introduction of the pitch clock in Major League Baseball has led to a significant decrease in game time, with the average nine-inning game in the League Championship Series (LCS) dropping by 12 minutes to 3:16 this year. This reduction is part of a larger trend, as the overall postseason average has fallen by two minutes to 3:00.
A Shift in Scoring Trends
Interestingly, the decrease in game time has been accompanied by an increase in scoring. Runs per game in the LCS averaged 11.3, up from 8.8 in 2023 and 7.9 in 2022. This uptick in offense is a welcome change for fans who enjoy high-scoring games.
Regular Season Sees Similar Trend
The regular season also saw a decrease in game time, with the average nine-inning game clocking in at 2:36. This represents a four-minute decline from 2023 and a 28-minute drop from 2022. In fact, this is the lowest average game time since 1984.
Adjustments to the Pitch Clock
Ahead of the 2024 season, MLB made adjustments to the pitch clock, shortening the time allowed with runners on base by two seconds to 18. The clock remains at 15 seconds without runners on base. These tweaks aim to further streamline the game and improve the overall fan experience.
A Promising Development for Baseball
As the World Series gets underway, fans can look forward to exciting matchups and a faster-paced game. The decrease in game time is a promising development for baseball, which has faced criticism in recent years for its slow pace of play. With the pitch clock paying off, the future of the sport looks bright.
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