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Rough Night for Relievers
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J.J. Putz tries a new release point.
Photo:Icon SMI
As I went off to bed Tuesday night, the Tigers took the lead over the White Sox and the Twins took the lead over the Mariners. When I woke up Wednesday morning, I noticed the White Sox came back in the bottom of the fourteenth, hanging a blown-save on Joel Zumaya. Nick Swisher did the damage with a three-run homer.
Meanwhile, after J.J. Putz helped the Twins to a 7-6 lead in the eighth inning (Jimenez and Corcoran did most of the damage), Guerrier and Nathan gave the runs back in the bottom of the inning. Both closers picked up blown saves, but at least Putz earned the win.
Due to the poor relief pitching, Chicago takes first place in the AL Central instead of the Twins. It was the theme across baseball last night. After John Lanna pitched seven strong innings against the Rockies, Washington relievers turned a 2-2 tie into an 8-2 rout. Giants relievers gave up eight runs as Atlanta wins 11-4.
Overall, batters hit .307 against relief pitchers last night with a .388 OBA and a .510 OBA. Batters collected 269 more at bats against starters last night, but hit two fewer home runs. Major League relievers blew 10 saves last night, tying July 2nd for most blown saves in a day this season. Last night, teams needed relief from the relief.
