The Closer Report: June 30, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 9

Nathan scores his 20th save and Sherrill completes Oriole comeback
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Joe Nathan had a terrible start, but turned it around with an insane month in June. Tonight he capped off an incredible month with a 11-pitch, two strikeout performance for his 20th save of the season. In the month of June he got 11 saves, 18 strikeouts, and he gave up zero runs on only four hits. He is clearly the best closer in the game right now.

George Sherrill got his 17th save capping a historic comeback over the Red Sox as the Orioles won 11-10. He needed 25 pitches to get the save and struck out two. Jonathan Papelbon gave up a 2-run double to end the game, blowing his second save of the season.

Mike Gonzalez blew his fourth save of the season giving up two runs in the eiegth inning. It was a bad performance by Gonzalez after several strong performances. He currently shares the job with Soriano.

Matt Capps continues to get results in his roller coaster of a season. He finished off the 3-0 shutout of the Cubs and believe it or not, he got a strikeout.

Heath Bell was needed for 1.1 innings and got his 22nd save of the season. He did have some control problems walking two batters, but overall he was sharp as usual. He ended the month with seven saves and a win. He has only one blown save this year and has developed into an top tier closer.

Other Appearances:
J.P. Howell (6) - Got his sixth save of the season after resting yesterday.
Mariano Rivera (19) - Rivera is pitching like the old Rivera and his 0.98 WHIP proves it.
Chad Qualls - Pitched a quiet inning.
Fernando Rodney - When will the Tigers stop bringing Rodney into a non-save situation. He gave up two runs on a two-run blast off the bat of Mark Ellis.