Just when you thought the Pirates had found every way to run themselves out of an inning, their Single-A affiliate ended up on the wrong side of history.
Rome Braves pitcher Hayden Deal needed only two pitches to complete the top of the 10th inning against the West Virginia Power, taking advantage of the rule instituted this year across Minor League Baseball that places a runner on second to begin extra innings.
Because this is the rule’s first year, it is believed to be the first two-pitch, three-out inning ever in professional baseball.
Entering the 10th inning in a 3-3 tie, the Power began with Oneil Cruz on second and Calvin Mitchell at the plate. Mitchell lined Deal’s first delivery to Braves second baseman Derian Cruz, who caught the ball and doubled Oneil Cruz off second unassisted. The next batter, Deon Almonte, lined out to third baseman Marcos Almonte, and like that, the inning was over.
“You just made history, kid.”
While @Braves prospect @hayden_deal didn’t realize he only threw two pitches for a complete inning, @TheRomeBraves manager Rocket Wheeler let him know. https://t.co/hlzk76QJPW pic.twitter.com/0ZoKyd0kYS
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 11, 2018
The Braves went on to win the game 4-3 in the bottom of the 10th, giving Deal (7-1) the win. His full outing was 3 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and an unearned run on 34 pitches.
