The New York Yankees got off to a fast start this season.
On Opening Day, they hosted the San Francisco Giants and had their ace Gerrit Cole on the mound.
Cole was elite in the game, throwing six innings, allowing zero runs, and recording 11 strikeouts.
The 11 punchouts were a Yankees record on Opening Day.
Also, this was the first regular season game where the pitch clock was in use.
According to Chelsea Janes, Cole felt no impact from the pitch clock.
Gerrit Cole asked if he felt the impact of the pitch clock at any point: “No.”
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) March 30, 2023
You could tell from the way he was pitching that he felt very locked in.
The time between pitches may be shorter, but that seemed to affect the Giants hitters more than Cole.
Whichever pitcher can adjust the fastest to the pitch clock will be the most effective.
From a game speed perspective, all fans should favor this change.
The games will be quicker, and there will be less standing around.
The more action the better and that is what the pitch clock will bring the MLB.
Something that will be interesting to follow is how much quicker the games are this season.
To start the season the Yankees game was only 2 hours and 33 minutes.
That is an ideal time for players and fans alike.
We know Cole is already used to the change, but seeing how other pitchers adjust will be interesting.
NEXT:
Aaron Judge Makes His Thoughts Clear About Winning The World Series
