Down by four in the 9th? No problem.

[MouseWife]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Nope. The role of a closer is very specific, they only come in in "save" situations. The definition of a "save" situation is 'If the number of men on base + the next 3 batters is equal to or greater than the lead, then a pitcher that comes in and prevents the other team from tying or leading gets a save."

So with a 4 run lead going into the bottom of the ninth, it's not a save situation, therefore no reason to bring in your closer. Hoffman's old and, apparantly, having some shoulder fatigue. And he made a lot of pitches (for a closer) on Sunday night. So they don't want to use him if they don't have to.

I see...it wasn't a 'save' until those two homeruns?

Poor Trevor. He is still so young but having problems. I like him. Not being a big fan of the game I am a fan of the players and how the fans love them. I have a few friends with season tickets and more that just have to be at the home games.

Aw. Hoffman.

Thanks for the explanation.