Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

The Astros beat the Braves by a score of 9-5 last night in a game that went four hours on the dot. Houston used six pitchers to Atlanta’s five. Through it all, FOX acts as if fans in the stands cheering—remember, these are people who’ve talked themselves into paying God knows how much for a ticket—is proof they’re broadcasting an exciting game. If only. Again, for contrast let’s go back to game seven of the 1960 World Series, when Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run gave the Pirates a 10-9 victory over the Yankees. Pittsburgh went with four pitchers, New York five. The game was over in 2:36. Baseball predicated on matchups and a fear of starters having to face a lineup more than two times is no different that baseball on pogo sticks. Just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t make it right. Or watchable, for that matter.