No umps when Orioles and Pirates play unneeded backside of ninth

BRADENTON, Fla. — There was no umpire behind the plate calling balls and strikes, and even a kind of so-called robo umps that might turn out to be a part of the sport sooner or later, when the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates stored taking part in Tuesday.

Umpires left the sector after Baltimore’s Josh Lester grounded out to finish the highest of the ninth inning with the Orioles trailing 7-4, formally ending the spring coaching contest.

But the groups went forward and performed the underside of the ninth inning after Pirates supervisor Derek Shelton and Baltimore skipper Brandon Hyde had a fast dialogue.

The Orioles needed to get some work on the mound for right-hander Ofreidy Gómez. Teams often conform to shorten or lengthen spring coaching video games relying on wants.

Hyde mentioned the umpiring crew was not on board with the plan and left the sector.

“A little backfield action,” Hyde informed the Baltimore Sun after the sport. “We were told by the league that we could clear it by the umpires and pitch the bottom half of the ninth inning, and I guess [crew chief] Chad Fairchild felt that we couldn’t.”

With the umpires gone, the balls and strikes have been known as by the catcher, similar to is completed in so many yard video games. Maverick Handley, a non-roster invitee who has by no means performed in regards to the Double-A stage, was behind the plate for the Orioles.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.