WILDLIFE took center stage when a speedy turtle wreaked havoc in a Single-A Florida State League game between the Bradenton Marauders and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ironically, the contest was being sponsored by a local science and nature museum, which couldn’t have gone better.
two
With the visiting Mets up 2-0 in the top of the second inning, the game was stopped by the reptile invading the outfield.
“We have some kind of creature on the field,” the game announcer said in a video posted to social media by the Marauders.
“A squirrel or a rodent, I don’t know.
“What do we have there? It’s a turtle.”
Left fielder Esmerlyn Valdez called for help to catch the surprisingly quick turtle and was joined by two other outfielders.
Pitcher Magdiel Cotto finally came to the rescue and carried the turtle to the bullpen as the crowd cheered.
“The fastest turtle ever,” one fan responded to social media video.
“Moving pretty fast for a turtle,” added another.
One commenter joked, “Can he throw a curveball?”
Back in the big leagues, rookie sensation Paul Skenes also showed off his incredible speed yesterday.
Making his long-awaited MLB debut, he hit 100 mph 27 times and even managed 102 once in the first inning.
Skenes allowed three runs and two walks with seven strikeouts.
It wasn’t perfect, but there was enough to show why fans were so eager to see him in action.
During the game, superstar girlfriend Olivia Dunne was interviewed by Sportsnet Pittsburgh.
“I was a little nervous at first, but I channeled that into excitement,” said the 21-year-old.
Five Major MLB Rule Changes in 2024
1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with the bases empty.
2. When a pitching change is made, the inning clock will reset to 2:00 instead of 2:15 as happened last year.
3. Teams will only be able to visit four mounds per game in 2024, compared to five last season.
4. Fielders and fielders who block bases will be cited for obstruction by the umpires.
5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.
“I just have more confidence in him than ever.
“I have so many incredible memories with him, but I know how hard he worked for this moment.
“Seriously, there’s nothing that can top this, I’m so proud.”
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in action again today.
But Skenes is expected to be rested as he gets used to the rigors of a professional calendar.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
