There’s a new rule in spring training this year, allowing teams to end an inning after their pitcher has thrown at least 20 pitches. It’s not exactly a mercy rule, as it doesn’t require any runs be scored, but it sort of works out the same way.
The Oakland A’s hit so well on Monday in their second 2021 Cactus League game that they got the Cincinnati Reds to invoke that mercy rule. Twice.
The A’s went on to win 13-5 for their first victory of the spring, but more importantly a slew of hitters looked great including several prospects.