No umps when Orioles and Pirates play the needless end of 9th place

BRADENTON, Fla. — There was no umpire behind the plate to call balls and shots, or even any of those so-called robo-umps that could become part of the game in the future if the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates played on Tuesday.

The umpires left the field after Baltimore’s Josh Lester left the field to end the top of the ninth inning with the Orioles 7-4 behind, officially ending the spring training competition.

But teams pressed on, playing the end of the ninth inning after Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Baltimore skipper Brandon Hyde had a brief discussion.

The Orioles wanted to get some work on the hill for right-hander Offreidy Gómez. Teams occasionally agree to shorten or lengthen spring training games as needed.

With the umpires gone, the balls and shots were called by the catcher, just as is the case in so many backyard games. Maverick Handley, a non-roster invitee who has never played at Double-A level, was behind the plate for the Orioles.

No Umps When Orioles and Pirates Play Unnecessarily in 9th Seat originally appeared on NBCSports.com