Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Alex Cobb had an unusual fourth inning, to say the least, in Friday night's game at Tropicana Field against the San Diego Padres. Not only did Cobb strike out four batters in the inning, but he gave up a run in the process.
It started when Cobb struck out Padres leadoff batter Will Venable, but strike three was a wild pitch that allowed Venable to reach first base. Venable then stole second as Chase Headley struck out swinging, then stole third on the first pitch to Carlos Quentin before Quentin struck out swinging. Cobb was then called on a balk as he was preparing to throw a 1-1 pitch to Yonder Alonso, allowing Venable to score from third. Alonso then struck out swinging to end the inning, giving Cobb his fourth strikeout of the inning.
The inning summed up the unusual night for Cobb, who gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings while striking out 13 batters. In the process, Cobb became the first pitcher in major league baseball history to strike out 13 batters and fail to make it through less than 5 innings. Fortunately, his Rays teammates bailed him out by scoring 4 runs in the seventh inning on the way to a 6-3 win over the Padres.
Video via MLB.
It started when Cobb struck out Padres leadoff batter Will Venable, but strike three was a wild pitch that allowed Venable to reach first base. Venable then stole second as Chase Headley struck out swinging, then stole third on the first pitch to Carlos Quentin before Quentin struck out swinging. Cobb was then called on a balk as he was preparing to throw a 1-1 pitch to Yonder Alonso, allowing Venable to score from third. Alonso then struck out swinging to end the inning, giving Cobb his fourth strikeout of the inning.
The inning summed up the unusual night for Cobb, who gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings while striking out 13 batters. In the process, Cobb became the first pitcher in major league baseball history to strike out 13 batters and fail to make it through less than 5 innings. Fortunately, his Rays teammates bailed him out by scoring 4 runs in the seventh inning on the way to a 6-3 win over the Padres.
Video via MLB.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
