Don Kelly decided to go with an opener tonight in the Pirates' 2-0 win against the Nationals at PNC Park. He opted for the lefty matchup using Mason Montgomery to face the top of the order in the first inning against lefties James Wood and Daylen Lile.
"I thought Mason did a great job there at the top of the order," said Kelly. "To be able to get Wood and then they got the double, to be able to work through that."
For Montgomery, adjusting to the timing coming out of the bullpen to start the game might have been weird but an effective bookend by the traditional relievers in helping shutout the Nationals for the first time this season.
"I guess slightly different with the timing of things, but I tried to keep it the same, as much as I could," said Montgomery. "Afterwards, it was a lot of downtime in the clubhouse. I think I was able to get in there and do my job. I think that's the important part, right?."
After Montgomery finished his 11-pitch first inning to give way to Carmen Mlodzinski, it was a new experience to watch the final eight innings from the bullpen and clubhouse.
"It's a little bit more relaxed, stress-free. I definitely spent a few innings watching in the dugout because coming up here for eight innings would probably be pretty boring."
In Montgomery's last four appearances, he's tossed 3 2/3 innings without allowing a run, striking out seven and walking one.
"I appreciate the opportunity. I think it just helps to show I'm capable of doing whatever I need, and ultimately, that's what I want to be able to do. Just whatever they need from me."
THE ASYLUM
Montgomery sets stage
Don Kelly decided to go with an opener tonight in the Pirates' 2-0 win against the Nationals at PNC Park. He opted for the lefty matchup using Mason Montgomery to face the top of the order in the first inning against lefties James Wood and Daylen Lile.
"I thought Mason did a great job there at the top of the order," said Kelly. "To be able to get Wood and then they got the double, to be able to work through that."
For Montgomery, adjusting to the timing coming out of the bullpen to start the game might have been weird but an effective bookend by the traditional relievers in helping shutout the Nationals for the first time this season.
"I guess slightly different with the timing of things, but I tried to keep it the same, as much as I could," said Montgomery. "Afterwards, it was a lot of downtime in the clubhouse. I think I was able to get in there and do my job. I think that's the important part, right?."
After Montgomery finished his 11-pitch first inning to give way to Carmen Mlodzinski, it was a new experience to watch the final eight innings from the bullpen and clubhouse.
"It's a little bit more relaxed, stress-free. I definitely spent a few innings watching in the dugout because coming up here for eight innings would probably be pretty boring."
In Montgomery's last four appearances, he's tossed 3 2/3 innings without allowing a run, striking out seven and walking one.
"I appreciate the opportunity. I think it just helps to show I'm capable of doing whatever I need, and ultimately, that's what I want to be able to do. Just whatever they need from me."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!