PHOENIX (AP) — Aroldis Chapman has a reputation as a power pitcher, built through 16 years of routinely popping 100 mph on the radar gun.
As the Boston Red Sox closer has gotten older, the 37-year-old added craftiness to the power, baffling hitters by locating sliders and splitters that leave them flailing.
The combination led to a rare four-strikeout inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks and one of the most dominating runs by a reliever in baseball history.
“This is special,” said Boston manager Alex Cora, who earned his 600th career win with Sunday's 7-4 win over the Diamondbacks. “To do it at this age and where we're at as an industry, as far as the hitters and the adjustments they make, it's unreal.”
Chapman began his career in Cincinnati, popping eyes and gloves with a fastball