Based loaded, no outs. That was the start of the bottom of the ninth for the New York Mets as they attempted to close out a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs. Somehow, Jeurys Familia was able to walk the tightrope yet again and complete his 33rd save of the season.
This may seem like deja vu of sorts as Familia did this exact act against the Cubs in their previous series. He would start his inning off by walking the first two batters. The Cubs would then follow up with a Javier Baez bunt single. With the bases now loaded for pinch-hitter Matt Szczur, the pressure was on.
“I just always try to calm down when I have situations like that — bases loaded, no out,” Familia said. “I try to throw my sinker down, make sure if they make contact it’s a ground ball, and believe in myself.” (ESPN)
Rene Rivera would come out to the mound and help to guide his closer through another seemingly impossible task. Familia again up for the challenge, readied himself and was able to get the first out as Szczur grounded into a force play. The cubs next would send one of their big boppers to the plate in Kris Bryant.
The day was not his though as Familia was up for the challenge, coaxing a double-play ball to end the game. Again, Familia found himself out of trouble, continuing his consecutive saves streak which has now reached 49, dating back to last season.
“I felt great. I knew I could get a double play easy on him,” Familia said. “He’s slow running, and the ground ball is a little harder. I knew I could do it and the game would be over.”
Familia has put together a heck of a season thus far, pitching to a 2.44 ERA to go along with his 33 saves. His WHIP comes in at 1.22, a bit higher than his career number of 1.18. He has struck out 43 in 44.1 innings pitched so far this season.
An All-Star this season, Familia has proven he can pitch through a high pressure situation time an time again. He walks the tightrope often it seems, but somehow always finds his way across to the other side with another save in hand.
