Maybe the Toronto Blue Jays should have given Cliff Pennington the start Tuesday in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.
The Blue Jays infielder was the lone Toronto “highlight” of the Kansas City Royals’ 14-2 win. It wasn’t for anything Pennington did in the field or at the plate, though, as he made big league history on the mound.
Pennington is believed to have become the first full-time position player to pitch in the playoffs when he was called upon in the ninth inning for mop-up duty. The veteran infielder has one of the best throwing arms in the majors, and he didn’t disappoint in that regard Tuesday. Pennington hit as high as 91 mph on the radar gun.
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Sure, Pennington gave up two hits and allowed both inherited runners to score before getting the one out he needed. But don’t try to temper the excitement of the Blue Jays’ fans and even Pennington’s teammates.
The fans roared as Pennington took the mound, and his teammates laughed in the dugout despite getting beat down and being forced to the brink of elimination.
Thumbnail photo via John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports Images
