WASHINGTON — Of all the eye-popping numbers from Nick Pivetta’s most recent starts — the 13 strikeouts, the one walk, the 80 strikes in 108 pitches — this one stood out as much as any other.
Pivetta threw 34 curveballs.
Entering the weekend, only 25 pitchers had thrown as many breaking balls in a single start this season. The group includes curveball artists Zack Godley of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phillies ace Aaron Nola and Houston Astros righthander Lance McCullers Jr., who memorably threw 24 curveballs in a row against the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last year.