Hirano’s scoreless streak continues, becomes longest in D-backs history
Jun 29, 2018, 9:34 PM | Updated: Jun 30, 2018, 7:56 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano, of Japan, throws a pitch to the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, June 29, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Yoshihisa Hirano made history Friday night in the series opener against the San Francisco Giants, as he extended his scoreless streak.
Hirano came into the contest riding a 24-game scoreless streak, which was tied with former D-backs pitchers J.J. Putz (June 23-August 31, 2012) and Brandon Lyon (April 9-June 12, 2008).
After 2/3 innings on Friday — in which he struck out a single batter and didn’t allow a hit — Hirano’s streak extended to 25 games to become the longest in franchise history.
His streak is also tied for the second longest by a Japanese-born pitcher behind former Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara, who had 27 consecutive scoreless outings in 2013.
Hirano’s outings have proven to be effective for the D-backs.
In 22.1 innings of work since the start of the streak, Hirano has allowed just 13 hits and struck out 21 batters. He also walked nine more.
Hirano found himself in the middle of a battle for the closing role after he was signed by the D-backs in December.
After Brad Boxberger was named the closer and Archie Bradley returned to his eighth-inning spot, Hirano found himself as the seventh-inning reliever in one of the best bullpens in baseball.
Despite Hirano’s record-breaking night, the D-backs were unable to overcome a strong showing from San Francisco’s pitching staff, losing 2-1.
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