Geltz Does a Bateman

Game 81, June 30, 2016, BB&T Park
Durham Bulls: 3
Charlotte Knights: 2
10 innings
Season: 36-45; Trip: 2-1
Wrap, Box, Charlotte Observer
Stats:
Game Score: Schultz 63; Season Avg 55 (16 starts, 81.1 innings)
Tm OPS: Game .632; Season .658; Diff -.026
Tm wOBA: Game .289; Season .297; Diff -.008

Joe Bateman was a reliever for the Durham Bulls several years ago (2009-2011, stats). Bulls fans will remember that he was famous for getting into very difficult situations, and then getting out of them. Last night Steve Geltz "did a Bateman."

After Geltz's colleague, Mark Sappington, threw the ball away to allow a tie game in the 8th, the Bulls came back in the top of the 10th on Jake Goebbert's third RBI of the game that drove in Johnney Field (who was running for Mayo Acosta). The Bulls were up 3-2 when Mr. Geltz came in for his Batemanesqe moment(s).

First, he gave up a single to Charlotte's Jacob May. The next batter popped up to Geltz. But May stole second base and then went to third base on a Geltz wild pitch. That put a runner at 3B, one out, and  former Bull Jason Bourgeois at bat. Bourgeois at-bat went on and on and on, reaching 11 pitches before striking out. Two outs. Another former Bull came to the plate, Jerry Sands. He hit a fly ball to Dayron Varona in center field to end the game.

My cardiologist has a mixed opinion regarding pitchers like Steve Geltz (and Joe Bateman). Yes, it's probably a good thing to get your heart rate up from time to time. No, it's probably not a good thing to do it at 10 o'clock at night sitting in front of your computer staring at the MiLB streaming video.