With a 3-0 count and a green light, Javier Baez was swinging for the moon to tie Tuesday’s game. So, closer Mark Melancon went to work. After Baez, the Chicago Cubs pinch-hitter, whiffed on two cutters, Melancon dropped his trademark curveball in front of the plate, and Baez was done, defeated.
Melancon’s scowl softened as catcher Chris Stewart blocked the ball in the dirt and threw to first to complete the game-ending strikeout. The Pirates had won, 5-4, and Melancon matched the club’s single-season saves record, tying Mike Williams’ 46 saves in 2002.
"Obviously, it’s really neat,” Melancon said afterward.