Mets fans use clock to fool Nationals pitcher

Mets fans are using pitching hours to try and fool the Nationals’ pitcher, who originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

MLB pitchers work tirelessly.

In addition to having to think about the hitter and running back on base, pitchers now also need to be aware of the new pitching hours.

And it didn’t take long for the fans to figure out how they could use the clock to hit an opposing pitcher in the head.

During Friday’s Nationals-Mets spring practice game, some New York fans resorted to a ruse commonly used in college basketball to try and fool Washington pitcher Victor Arano. Fans counted down the time loudly as if the clock was seconds away from expiration, when in fact there was much more time left.

The pitcher has 15 seconds to start moving after receiving the ball if the bases are empty. If there is at least one runner, he has 20 seconds. An offense by the pitcher results in an automatic play.

Arano didn’t seem to be put off by the countdown, but that certainly won’t stop other fans from trying it out.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the pitcher does fall victim to this tactic at some point in 2023.