It took all of two days for the pitch clock to directly affect the outcome of a Major League Baseball game.

Saturday's Grapefruit League contest between the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox featured a chaotic ending that was the first of its kind in MLB history. Batting with the bases loaded and a full count in the bottom of the ninth of a 6-6 game, Braves second baseman Cal Conley was assessed an automatic strike after taking too long to get set in the batter's box. The call resulted in a game-ending pitch-clock violation strikeout.

The new pitch-clock rules require batters to be in the box and engaged with the pitcher with eight seconds remaining on the timer. If the umpire deems they aren't ready, an automatic strike can be assessed. Pitchers have 15 seconds to throw the pitch with the bases empty, or 20 seconds with runners on base, before an automatic ball is called.

Conley, who undoubtedly has experience hitting with the pitch clock in the minor leagues, wasn't pleased with the umpire's ruling.