Endy Rodriguez didn't spend much time catching Chase Shugart last season when the latter was with the Pirates, but he does know what the right-hander has in his arsenal.
So, when he stepped to the plate in the ninth inning with runners on first and second and the Pirates leading by one, he did so with a plan.
"I know him, but I didn't call a lot for him," Rodriguez said. "But, I know if you can throw a cutter and a sweeper, you're probably going to call a sweeper. So, I was waiting for it."
On the second pitch of his at-bat, Rodriguez got the pitch he was looking for and, well:
That one, Rodriguez's fourth of the season, traveled 390 feet into Citizens Bank Park's right-center seats, giving the Pirates their 11-7 lead for good.
After the Phillies tagged Gregory Soto for two runs in the eighth inning to cut Pittsburgh's lead to one, Mason Montgomery closed things out in the ninth.
THE ASYLUM
Rodriguez: 'Waiting' on Shugart
Endy Rodriguez didn't spend much time catching Chase Shugart last season when the latter was with the Pirates, but he does know what the right-hander has in his arsenal.
So, when he stepped to the plate in the ninth inning with runners on first and second and the Pirates leading by one, he did so with a plan.
"I know him, but I didn't call a lot for him," Rodriguez said. "But, I know if you can throw a cutter and a sweeper, you're probably going to call a sweeper. So, I was waiting for it."
On the second pitch of his at-bat, Rodriguez got the pitch he was looking for and, well:
That one, Rodriguez's fourth of the season, traveled 390 feet into Citizens Bank Park's right-center seats, giving the Pirates their 11-7 lead for good.
After the Phillies tagged Gregory Soto for two runs in the eighth inning to cut Pittsburgh's lead to one, Mason Montgomery closed things out in the ninth.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!