Things are going to look a bit different when conference play begins for the LSU baseball team this season.
In addition to a 10-run rule for SEC contests — which the league announced last week — several other new rules will be implemented, most of which have to do with the game clock and pace of play. The timers for between batters, mound visits and pitching changes have all been shortened.
This comes amid a push to increase the speed of the game at practically all levels of baseball. Here’s how it’s all going to work as far as the timers go, courtesy of a release from the SEC.
- Between Batters Clock: A 30-second timer between hitters shall start at the conclusion of the prior play as indicated by the umpire’s final signal of “safe” or “out”, or other clear indication that the prior play has concluded. Consistent with NCAA pitch clock protocols, the batter shall be alert to the pitcher with 10 seconds or more remaining and the pitcher shall begin the motion to deliver the first pitch of the at-bat prior to the expiration of the 30-second clock.
- Mound Visit Clock: A 30-second timer on a mound visit shall begin when a coach exits the dugout or when a defensive player leaves their position to visit the pitcher’s mound. Unless the coach signals for a pitching change, the coach must leave the mound when (or before) the timer expires. The mound visit clock shall not operate when a doctor or trainer accompanies a coach to evaluate a medical issue. Upon expiration of the 30-second clock, the 20-second NCAA pitch clock shall commence.
- Pitching Change Clock: A 2:30 (2 minutes and 30 seconds) timer on a pitching change shall begin when a new pitcher who is entering the game, either at the start of an inning or as part of a mid-inning pitching change, crosses the warning track (or otherwise leaves the bullpen area if the bullpen is on the playing field). Upon expiration of the clock, the NCAA 20-second pitch clock shall commence.
The league has also reworked its rain delay policy for Sunday games when the visiting team doesn’t have classes on the following Monday. In those circumstances, curfew rules can be waived. If this happens, games still may not begin after 10 p.m. local time or resume after midnight.
With regard to the mercy rule policy, the league clarified that it may also be implemented for non-conference games with the permission of the non-conference team’s coach.
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