Garrett Whitlock Clears Air About ‘Terrible’ Pitch In Stellar Outing

David Hamilton wasn’t the only member of the Red Sox who turned in a much-needed, game-changing performance Wednesday night.

Garrett Whitlock was called on by Alex Cora after starter Sean Newcomb and Greg Weissert combined to pitch six scoreless innings. Whitlock was terrific for the visitors, who saw the right-hander throw a pair of clean frames in which he only allowed one hit and struck out four. The dominant outing paved the way for Justin Slaten to notch a save and seal a 1-0 triumph and a series victory.

However, Whitlock was fortunate to make it off the George M. Steinbrenner mound without any blemishes on his performance. His final pitch, which clocked at 88 mph and was tough to identify, was narrowly missed by Jonathan Aranda, who flew out to deep center. Whitlock was asked about it after the game and didn’t pretend like it was properly executed.

“I didn’t see what the velo was or anything, but if it was 8,8 then that was a terrible changeup that I got lucky with,” Whitlock told reporters, per MassLive.

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Just ask Hamilton, whose game-winning home run certainly didn’t look like it was going to be a round-tripper when it jumped off his bat.

Boston now will hope to maintain good fortune this weekend when it hosts the Chicago White Sox for a four-game set.