The Closer Report: August 5, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 7

Mike MacDougal saves 4th game in a row, Bailey scores #15
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

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Mike MacDougal is on a roll in the month of August. He has four saves in four days. That is almost unheard of because most managers would never pitch their closer four days in a row. Apparently Manny Acta isn't a normal manager. Big Mac pitched a perfect inning, securing the 5-4 win over the Marlins. He struck out one and needed 21 pitches to end the game. Over the past four days, MacDougal has pitched 3.1 innings and thrown 55 pitches to get the four saves.



Trevor Hoffman got his 25th save of the month shutting down the Dodgers 4-1. He looked great tonight, striking out two and giving up a hit. It was his third save in August already, after a tough July where he had a total of five saves. Broxton also pitched the 9th inning for the Dodgers just to get some work in and work he got. He wasted 26 pitches and gave up a hit and a walk. Even worse, the leader in strikeouts amongst closers got zero.

Andrew Bailey continues his hot streak with his 15th save of the season. He got his first save of in August and his ninth save in a row. He struck out two in the 6-4 win, which puts his strikeout total for the season at 71. Only three shy of the sinking Jonathan Broxton.

Fernando Rodney broke in the month of August with his first save since July 24. He struck out two while putting a couple of runners on for his 22nd save. Rodney should continue to see allot of work with the Tigers playing well and even better, pitching well.

Chad Qualls notched his 21st save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Pirates. However, it wasn't without Lidge style drama. He gave up a bomb to Garret Jones with one out before retiring the next two batters. He did strike out a pair of batters, but his ERA was battered again. Get it, battered?

Other Appearances:
J.P. Howell (12) - Closed out the Red Sox 6-4 and struck out one batter. He looked sharp after pitching 1.2 innings last night.
Bobby Parnell (1) - Pitched three innings in the blow out win for the Mets.
Brian Wilson - Threw a few pitches and recorded one out in a non-save situation.
Brian Fuentes - Got slapped around in a non-save situation. Gave up a run on a home run to Paul Konerko.