MLB fans voice their disappointment after Guardians beat Mariners in game lasting only 2 hours: "This actually sucks"

The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is underway, and fans are already expressing their disappointment with the new rules that were implemented to speed up the game.

The latest controversy arose after the Cleveland Guardians beat the Seattle Mariners on Saturday in a game that lasted just two hours. The reaction on social media was immediate, with fans expressing their discontent and questioning the value of such a short game.

MLB introduced new rules this season to speed up the game, including a pitch clock that dictates how much time batters and pitches can take between plays and shortening the time between innings. The aim was to make games shorter and more exciting for fans, who have complained for years about the length of games. However, some fans argue that the new rules have gone too far and are taking away from the experience of watching a game.

Additionally, fans argue that the new rules may have had unintended consequences. Limiting mound visits may lead to miscommunications between the pitcher and catcher, resulting in more walks or hit batters. Shorter breaks between innings may also lead to more injuries, as players have less time to rest and recover between innings.

Furthermore, some fans feel that the new MLB rules are designed to cater to casual fans who may not have the patience to sit through a three-hour game. They argue that baseball should not sacrifice its identity and traditions to attract more fans. Baseball is a sport that requires a certain level of attention and engagement, and fans who are not willing to invest that time and effort may not be the target audience.

New rules implemented by MLB are here to stay

Despite concerns from fans, MLB remains committed to speeding up the game. Commissioner Rob Manfred has said that the new rules are necessary to attract younger fans and keep the sport relevant in a changing media landscape. He argues that shorter games will make baseball more accessible to fans who are used to instant gratification and shorter attention spans.

However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will have the desired effect. Fans are clearly divided on the issue, with some embracing the new rules, while others feel that they're a betrayal of the sport. Only time will tell whether the Guardians-Mariners game was an anomaly or a sign of things to come.

About the author

Nishant Borooah is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2023 and has a degree in Media Studies and Journalism.

Nishant is currently pursuing a diploma in Sports Marketing, and his interest in baseball was piqued early on by his father, who fell in love with baseball as a student in the US. His father used to regale him with stories about America's favorite pastime and they have left an impression on him.

Currently residing in Toronto, Nishant is a Blue Jays fan. revering Ichiro Suzuki growing up, Nishant remains in awe of the Japanese legend's longevity and sheer passion for the game. Suzuki's return to the Seattle Mariners in 2018 remains one of Nishant's favorite MLB moments.

One of Nishant's strengths is that he always covers the technical side of the story, and he is also particular about historical context to ensure articles are informative and easy to follow.

Besides being a writer, Nishant is also a soccer coach who has worked with several clubs in India like Shillong Lajong FC and RoundGlass Punjab FC.

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