MLB veteran makes first pitching appearance following 10-RBI day
One day after having an historic day at the plate, one major leaguer set a record on the mound, too.
And no, it’s not the Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani.
Washington Nationals’ first baseman Mark Reynolds had a ridiculous night at the plate Saturday in an 18-4 win over the Marlins. Reynolds went 5-for-5 with two home runs and 10 RBIs.
4/30/2017 – Anthony Rendon goes 6-for-6, 3 HR, 10 RBIs
7/7/2018 – Mark Reynolds goes 5-for-5, 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBIs pic.twitter.com/5XYThKhnSh
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 8, 2018
With that performance, he became only the 15th player to record 10 or more RBIs in a game since 1920, according to data from ESPN.
So after two incredible nights at the plate, what do you do for an encore?
On Sunday, Reynolds went 2-for-4 at the plate. But far more notable than that, he also pitched.
Mark Reynolds, Filthy….errr….Pitch. 🤔
Mark, we cover 1B around here. 😂 #PFPs pic.twitter.com/usrrbvK8rU
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 8, 2018
With two outs in the top of the 9th inning, with the Marlins ahead 10-2, Reynolds made his pitching debut. He faced one batter, pinch-hitter Bryan Holaday, who he retired with a ground out to first base.
Mark Reynolds this weekend:
Friday: Walk-off homer
Saturday: 2 HR 10 RBI
Sunday: Pitching in a blowout— Mike Axisa (@mikeaxisa) July 8, 2018
In the realm of odd stats, Reynolds is the first player in MLB history to have 10 RBIs and pitch in back-to-back games, according to ESPN.
But two other players have had 10 RBI games and pitched in their careers, including the Reds’ Scooter Gennett, who did it last year, and Mark Whiten, who had a 12-RBI game for the Cardinals in 1993 and pitched an inning for the Indians in 1998, reported ESPN.
Apparently, Reynolds throws a pretty good knuckleball.
Right on cue. Mark Reynolds will pitch. He’s been asking Davey to let him do it recently. And he’s got a nasty knuckleball. Seen him throw it during BP. It’s legit.
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) July 8, 2018
“Home plate looked a mile away. Just trying not to hit anybody. A little nerve-wracking,” Reynolds said after the game, according to ESPN. “But I always wanted to do it. It was a cool experience.”
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