Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth for his 14th save of the season.
When one is long suffering, the torment becomes normalized.
The ninth unfolded like this. Helsley came on to begin the ninth with the Cardinals clinging to a one run lead. Obviously, you are looking for a clean 1-2-3 out of your closer in such a situation. He got the first batter and the next doubled. So the potential tying run is in scoring position. Not what you want. Then a single, and the potential tying run is on third with less than two outs, and the potential go ahead run is on base. This cannot be considered an acceptable situation to have arisen when it is your closer on the mound in the ninth rather than a mop up guy finishing up after a mess. Then the potential go ahead run steals second and is now in scoring position along with the tying run, which as previously noted is on third with less than two outs. It is very fortunate that the Reds could not at least get the tying run home, initially with a sacrifice, the next two batters striking out. One could accurately summarize that slop by saying ‘Helsley turned the ninth into a cluster, but backed into a save when the Reds failed to execute’.
But, as I said, when that sort of thing has long been the norm, it translates to “Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth for his 14th save of the season.”
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I want to say that I appreciate and have really enjoyed Ms. Green’s work providing us with great content all season. All those who have provided content have done a wonderful job. Thank you.