Game Twenty-Three

This match-up would not have been the one I predicted would become a pitcher’s duel. Here are the career numbers of the two starters entering Friday night:

Brian Bannister 563.2 IP, 4.88 xFIP, 41.6% GB, 1.76 K/BB, 6.2% SwStr
Jeff Niemann 218.2 IP, 4.59 xfIP, 40.4% GB, 2.14 K/BB, 7.0% SwStr

Instead of a slugfest, we had two runs scored through eight innings. Neither pitched remarkably well, mind you, but it would seem Bannister had the edge on the night. 13 of the 19 balls in play against him were of the groundball variety, he struck out three (walking two) and only one ball in play actually turned into a hit against him. Niemann walked more than he struck out (although that number is skewed by an intentional walk) and 9 of the 17 balls in play were grounders.

The runs column is nicer the pair than it could be.
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Randy Choate started the night against a lefty and wound up giving up a hit. People are going to question this, but frankly the difference between Rafael Soriano and Choate against one batter – especially a lefty – is so marginal that it’s not even worth the discussion. Not a big deal here, wouldn’t be a big deal if Soriano gets out of the inning unscathed or if Evan Longoria’s fly ball goes a few feet further.

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