Chapman picked up the save Thursday, striking out one over 0.2 innings against the Nationals.
Chapman entered a five-run game in the ninth with the tying run on deck and needed just six pitches to close things out without allowing any further damage. It was the second save in as many opportunities for Chapman since replacing a struggling David Bednar in the closer role for the Pirates. Outside of a three-run blowup last week against the Cubs, Chapman has been unscored upon over his last 13 appearances, accumulating 21 strikeouts with a 2.08 ERA, 0.77 WHIP one win, two saves and seven holds over 13 innings.
... See More... See Less
Pirates' Aroldis Chapman: Notches save Saturday
Rotowire
Chapman struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his fifth save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Guardians.
The veteran lefty hit triple digits on the radar gun with six of his 16 pitches, topping out at 101.8 mph, as he carved up the heart of Cleveland's order. Chapman has taken over the closer role for the Pirates due to David Bednar's struggles, and he may not give it back -- over 17 innings since the All-Star break, he's delivered a 2.12 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 28:4 K:BB. Saturday's save was Chapman's first since July 11, but it doesn't figure to be his last of the season.
Chapman (5-4) allowed one hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the win Sunday against the Reds.
Chapman entered the game with the Pirates down a run and continued his dominant stretch. Since the All-Star break, he has allowed only one earned run across 15 innings while maintaining a 25:3 K:BB. David Bednar continues to serve as Pittsburgh's closer but has been very shaky, so Chapman may see a handful of save opportunities before the season concludes.
Chapman (3-4) picked up the win Sunday against the Diamondbacks after pitching a scoreless ninth.
Chapman was called upon to pitch the ninth with the game tied at two after manager Derek Shelton opted to go with David Bednar in the eighth. The left-hander retired the side on just six pitches and was credited with the win after the Pirates went on to win 6-5 in 10 innings. After a rocky start to the month, Chapman has allowed just one run over his last six appearances, during which he's racked up two wins, two holds and a save while posting a 6:2 K:BB. The 36-year-old is still overpowering hitters in his 15th MLB season, posting a 3.72 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 60:34 K:BB in 38.2 innings.
