As a sinkerballer who pitches to contact, Richard knows he's going to have traffic on the bases often -- in fact, no pitcher has allowed more singles this season. Richard also knows it's especially important that those runners stay where they are, keeping the double play in order.
"Typically, I get a lot of balls put in play on the ground," said Richard, who allowed three runs over six innings Saturday. "If we're able to keep guys at first and not let them get out of the way, it helps us, keeps us at a competitive advantage."
With his two pickoffs on Saturday, Richard now has 31 over his nine-year career.