Nationals' Orlando Ribalta was entirely unexpected hero vs. Pirates
This is quite the feat for Ribalta.
Nationals' Orlando Ribalta was entirely unexpected hero vs. Pirates originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Teams don't really make a pitching plan for extra innings. They try to win the game in nine frames, and when it goes extras -- like Nationals-Pirates did on Thursday -- they improvise. Orlando Ribalta proved great at the improvisation on Thursday in Pittsburgh.
The Nats took an 8-7 lead in the top of the 10th when James Wood singled home the bonus runner from second base. Ribalta entered for the bottom half, and despite giving up a leadoff infield single to Konnor Griffin, he saved the game. The righty Ribalta struck out Bryan Reynolds, then he got the speedy Jake Mangum to ground into a double play.
MORE: A magical no-hit bid for the Cleveland Guardians Ribalta was credited with a game-high 44. 8 Win Probability Added. It makes sense, given he entered with a one-run lead and three outs to get while a guy was already on second base.