Bob Haynie: Hunter Is Saving Games & Raising Blood Pressure
On Wednesday night, Tommy Hunter earned his 10th save of the season as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3. He also made everyone with a rooting interest in the game sweat a little.
In his one inning of work, Hunter gave up three hits, a run, and allowed the potential winning run to reach base. As usual, he got out of the jam.
No, things are not smooth when Tommy Hunter pitches. To his credit, he rises to the occasion when the pressure is on. Pressure that he puts on himself.
In his 14 appearances in 2014, he has allowed at least one runner to reach base 10 times. Each time, he has emerged from the trouble relatively unscathed.
Hunter's only blown save happened when Toronto's Colby Rasmus smashed a two-out home run off him in a game in which the Orioles eventually won.
Going into last night's contest, opposing hitters were batting only .192 with 9 K's against Hunter with men on base. With runners in scoring position, they were at .118 with 8 K's.
Impressive stuff from Hunter, for sure.
As we know, however, he can't keep tempting fate. Eventually, the multiple base runners will get him. The big hit is going to come sooner or later and the Orioles will lose.
For now, he's doing the job. But a few clean innings would be nice.
It's not too much to ask.
Is it?
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