The clash between the Oakland Athletics and the New York Mets became an unprecedented spectacle, culminating in a dramatic 7-6 victory for the Athletics. This meeting will be remembered not only for its nail-biting finish but also for setting a record as the longest game in the pitch-clock era, excluding extra innings and the playoffs. At three hours and 45 minutes, it just outstripped the previous record of three hours and 44 minutes set by a Padres-Giants game in Mexico City.
Both teams were locked in an intense battle from the outset. The Athletics’ offense surged, loading the bases in four different innings—the first, third, fourth, and seventh. The Mets, however, were no strangers to pressure themselves, having loaded the bases in the third inning. The game saw a combined 13 runs on 21 hits and 16 walks, reflecting the persistence of both lineups in cashing in on opportunities.
The Athletics had 14 at-bats with runners in scoring position but left nine runners stranded, a testament to missed chances that could have padded their lead significantly. On the other hand, the Mets had 11 at-bats in similar situations and left five runners aboard, showcasing their own struggles in clutch scenarios.
This marathon of a game caught everyone’s attention because its duration was starkly atypical for the 2023 season. The average length of nine-inning games this year rests comfortably at two hours and 36 minutes. Comparatively, the 225-minute endurance test between Oakland and New York was a striking anomaly, clocking in nearly 70 minutes longer than the season's average.
The previous high-water mark for pitch-clock games was set by an exhilarating face-off between the Padres and the Giants, which ended in a 16-11 victory for the Padres. That game featured an astounding 30 hits, including 11 home runs. While the Athletics-Mets encounter did not boast such offensive fireworks, it was instead a showcase of strategic maneuvering and persistence.
Fans and players alike expressed the toll of such an extended battle. Collectively, the sentiment among spectators was, "Man, this feels really long," reflecting the exhausting yet enthralling character of the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the length of this game was impossible to ignore.
Given the season's average game duration and the focus on speeding up playtime in recent years, the Athletics-Mets matchup serves as a stark contrast. It stands as a reminder that baseball, while evolving, can still deliver lengthy, drama-filled contests that test the endurance of players and fans alike.
As the 2023 season progresses, it will be intriguing to see if any more games challenge this newly set length record. While the pitch-clock has generally succeeded in keeping games shorter, the epic battle between the Athletics and the Mets shows that baseball remains unpredictable, capable of delivering an extended thrill that captures the essence of the sport.