“Cuban Express” Aroldis Chapman (35, Texas Rangers) unleashed a 165-mph fastball to earn his first save since being traded to Texas.
Chapman pitched one inning of one-hit ball, striking out two and walking none in the ninth inning of a 2-0 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday.
It was Chapman’s first appearance in a save situation since being acquired. Established closer Will Smith entered with one out in the seventh and pitched 1⅔ scoreless innings to earn the save.토토사이트
Chapman got the first batter, Josh Bell, to ground out to shortstop on a 99.6 mph sinker. Tyler Freeman followed with a 100.5-mph sinker for a swinging strikeout.
Will Brennan gave up a single to right, but he struck out Miles Straw on a 98.9 mph (159.2 km) – 100.6 mph (161.9 km) – 102.5 mph (165 km) fastball to end the game with a three-pitch strikeout.
Chapman, who was traded from Kansas City to Texas on July 1, had pitched the seventh or eighth inning in his previous appearances, and was making his fifth appearance since the trade. In those five appearances, he has pitched 5.2 innings, striking out seven and walking none, with a zero earned run average.
Texas manager Bruce Bochy recently revealed that he will use Smith and Chapman as double-stoppers. Smith is 1-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 15 saves in 34 games.
Chapman signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the New York Yankees last year. He struggled last season, going 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA and nine saves in 43 games, including a decline in velocity and a stint on the disabled list when the area became infected after a tattoo procedure.
Chapman, who became a free agent after the season, was not offered a lucrative contract and signed a one-year, $3.75 million deal with the underdog Kansas City Royals. Chapman resurfaced in Kansas City this season. He appeared in 31 games through the end of June, posting a 4-2 record with two saves and a 2.45 ERA in eight appearances.
Texas made the trade to acquire Chapman on July 1, sending prospect pitcher Cole Lagans and minor league outfielder Ronnie Cabrera.