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Working slowly a ‘weapon’ for Pirates’ Bastardo
- Updated: August 17, 2016
SAN FRANCISCO — You didn’t need a stopwatch Tuesday night to see that Pirates reliever Antonio Bastardo was taking his time on the mound. It was evident in the other players’ body language and it was audible in the stands.
“I think it’s one of the things he does purposefully,” manager Clint Hurdle said Wednesday morning. “I know last night it got maddening for everybody but him.”
Bastardo’s deliberate pace may work to his advantage, Hurdle said. After tossing a scoreless, nine-pitch seventh inning Tuesday night, the veteran lefty owns a 3.00 ERA while holding opponents to a .182 average in nine appearances with the Pirates.
“I believe he uses it as a weapon, another tool in his toolbox,” Hurdle said. “His ability to have that slow heartbeat, take his own time, can cause some anxiety on the hitter’s side.”
Typically, clubs prefer their pitchers to work quickly, to get the ball and go. A quick pace keeps defenders engaged in the game and puts …
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