Hanser Alberto made his fifth pitching appearance of the season as he recorded the final three outs of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 10-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. Alberto entered in the top of ninth inning, appearing after the Brewers had catcher Victor Caratini pitch the bottom of the eighth.
While Caratini allowed three runs, Alberto completed his fourth consecutive scoreless appearance. He wasn’t in the Dodgers lineup to begin the game, but entered as a pinch-hitter for Joey Gallo in the fifth inning due to the Brewers bringing in left-handed relief pitcher Brent Suter.
Alberto doubled in his first at-bat and later drew a walk. According to STATS LLC, Alberto joined Catfish Hunter as the only players during the Modern Era (since 1901) of MLB history to reach base twice and finish out the same game on the mound.
Hunter accomplished the rare feat during his perfect game on May 8, 1968.
Tuesday was the first time Alberto has retired the side in order in any of his appearances this season. In addition to helping preserve a relief pitcher, the 29-year-old taking the mound is a source of enjoyment for his Dodgers teammates.
“He’s incredible,” Tony Gonsolin said. “He comes in late in the games and locks it down.”
Manager Dave Roberts added: “He’s making this pitching thing look too easy. He’s just under the hitting speed, but he throws strikes and he misses barrels. I hope we can keep getting them out there. That’s a good thing.”
Hanser Alberto threw ‘unknown’ pitch
When Alberto took the mound against his former Kansas City Royals teammates during a recent road trip, his pitch type was not recognized by Kauffman Stadium, and the 63 mph offering was labeled “unknown” on the scoreboard.
Will Smith, who was behind the plate, also couldn’t offer much explanation or description.
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