As his allotment of pitches approached expiration in a one-run game Thursday night in Anaheim, Angels starter Ricky Nolasco found himself in trouble. So he let his instincts take over his pitching.
In a 3-and-1 count against Oakland power hitter Khris Davis with two outs and the potential tying run at first base, Nolasco utilized an unusual technique. He lowered his shoulder, contorted his body, and delivered a side-winding sinking fastball at the bottom of the zone for strike two.
It was a rare tactic for the 34-year-old right-hander, and one he decided to deploy on the spot.