Jesse Biddle had a historic relief outing on Saturday.
The Braves left-hander pitched three innings in the Braves’ 5-3 loss to the Nationals in 14 innings. He struck out eight hitters, a feat no Braves reliever had achieved in as few innings in 110 years.
Biddle’s afternoon actually began poorly. He entered in the 11th, hit Brian Goodwin, who stole second after he struck out Trae Turner and Bryce Harper. Biddle intentionally walked Anthony Rendon before unintentionally walking Mark Reynolds.
Biddle escaped the bases-loaded jam with a generously called strikeout of Nationals phenom Juan Soto.
“I was frustrated,” Biddle said. “I wasn’t trying to walk guys. … But using your frustration to execute pitches is probably the difference. So I was able to make a couple pitches to the lefty who came up and we were able to get out of it.”
Spencer Kieboom’s two-out single was all Washington had against Biddle. He added two more strikeouts of Wilmer Difo and Goodwin.
Manager Brian Snitker had already used nearly all the bullpen options he deemed available and decided to send Biddle out for a third inning.
Biddle responded accordingly, striking out Turner, Harper and Rendon. He was only the second major league reliever since 1981 to strike out eight or more hitters in three or fewer innings. Milwaukee’s Josh Hader struck out eight in 2-2/3 on April 30.
Miguel Socolovich replaced Biddle in the 14th, when the Nationals scored two runs to win it. Biddle threw 50 pitches (33 strikes).
“That was really good,” Snitker said. “He gave us a chance. He kept putting us in the dugout with a chance to win. That’s all you can ask for.”
Biddle will be unavailable for a few days. In an ideal world, the team would probably prefer to steer clear of him until Wednesday.
The former first-round draft pick has provided another viable option in a crowded bullpen. He’s pitched 20 innings, striking out 24 and walking nine. He’s gone multiple innings in five of 16 appearances, the most of any Braves reliever.
Right-handers are posting a .104 (5-for-46) average against Biddle. Lefties have hit above .400 against him, making his non-situational work Saturday all the more impressive.
Perhaps the most relavant stat to describe Biddle: Opponents are hitting .125 (4-for-32) against the 26-year-old with runners on base, and .182 with runners in scoring position.
Biddle has endured no shortage of hardship since his hometown Phillies drafted him in 2010. He made his MLB debut earlier this season.
About the Author
