Computer calls balls, strikes
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — “St-riike! … Eric Byrnes sat behind the large monitor some 90 feet from home plate watching the screen as the computer told him exactly what to announce for the intimate crowd watching independent league baseball at Albert Park, a full moon in the distance. For the second straight night Wednesday, Supermicro computers in a nearby van and overseen in the ballpark by the former major league outfielder called balls and strikes in what is believed to be the first time in professional baseball an umpire didn’t handle those duties. The visiting Vallejo Admirals and San Rafael Pacifics were thrilled to be part of an experiment using the Pitchf/x automated system designed by Fremont-based Sportvision. The batter’s box is broken down into nine tiny squares, and a yellow spot lights up where the pitch goes, then Byrnes serves as the strike zone umpire by relaying the call. Three cameras record the velocity, trajectory and location of every pitch to determine how closely each pitcher comes to hitting the catcher’s target. Wayne Acerogiles, Wednesday’s plate umpire, likes the idea of a power pack transmitter and ear piece that would give each pitch to the umpires, who could still make the calls. “Might as well try it,” Pacifics catcher Ricky Gingras said. “It seems like it’s real good technology. Might as well see how everybody likes it and try to promote it. It’s kind of cool.”
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
GLENDALE, Calif. — Ronda Rousey is in charge. The unbeaten bantamweight champion is the biggest star in the UFC, and she could have staged her next title defense anywhere. Rousey decided to fight Brazilian challenger Bethe Correia in a raucous arena at UFC 190 in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night. Challenges don’t scare Rousey. “When I don’t have the homecourt advantage, that’s another thing that really keeps me motivated,” said Rousey, who hasn’t fought outside Las Vegas or her native Southern California in three years. “I want the fans to know that even though I’m doing a lot of things, I want to be the most active champion out there as well.” Rousey doesn’t shy away from the role of favorite. With an upcoming role in a Mark Wahlberg film and a soaring international popularity, she welcomes the spotlight. “Here’s pretty much the plan: I’m going to beat up Bethe,” Rousey said. “Then I’m going to take a couple of weeks to rest. And then I’m going to go beat up Miesha (Tate, her likely next opponent). And then I’m going to go to Thailand, or wherever we decide to film. I’m going to prep for a month and start filming for eight to 10 weeks, and then go beat up the next chick. That’s pretty much my plan.”
HORSE RACING
OCEANPORT, N.J. — Triple Crown winner American Pharoah is the overwhelming 1-5 favorite in a field of eight 3-year-olds for Sunday’s $1.75 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. This will be American Pharoah’s first race since he swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes and became the 12th Triple Crown winner and first in 37 years. American Pharoah will leave from the No. 4 post following Thursday’s draw and be ridden by Victor Espinoza. He is owned by Ahmed Zayat of Teaneck, N.J., and trained by Bob Baffert. Upstart, who ran 18th in the Kentucky Derby in his last start, is the second choice at 6-1, and will be ridden by Monmouth favorite Joe Bravo.
BASKETBALL
DES MOINES, Iowa — Nicki Gross has been named an assistant coach with the Iowa Energy, making her the only female to fill that role in the NBA D-League. The Memphis Grizzlies and Energy announced Gross’s appointment Thursday. The Grizzlies are Iowa’s NBA affiliate.
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