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Former Tennessee baseball star Christian Moore challenges game-ending strike in 14-1 blowout
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Former Tennessee baseball star Christian Moore is fighting for a potential roster spot with the Los Angeles Angels during spring training. And he’s trying to make the most of every single pitch, as evidenced by his (potentially) game-ending at-bat vs. the Cleveland Guardians.
On Sunday, Cleveland handled the Angels with a double-digit blowout, and it initially appeared that Moore would end the game at the plate. The former Tennessee star had worked a full count with 2 outs before getting rung up on a pitch the umpire deemed had clipped the outside corner.
The problem? Moore was quick to use the player challenge system being tested in spring training.
The quick replay via the automated balls and strikes system ruled the pitch was off the plate, awarding Moore a walk. The Guardians would also make a pitching change after the at-bat, forcing the 14-1 game to drag on even longer before its merciful conclusion.
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Moore’s challenge wasn’t for nothing. The Angels did score one more run but ultimately still lost 14-2. However, for a player fighting for a spot on the roster, every pitch and at-bat matters.
The No. 8 overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft was the No. 2 prospect in Los Angeles’s farm system at the end of last year per MLB.com after ascending to AA quickly last year. He is 2-for-4 so far in spring training, including going 1-for-1 with his walk off the bench in Sunday’s game.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
