Emotional David Bednar Logs Milestone in Potential Last Outing With Pirates
Western Pennsylvania native and Pirates closer David Bednar recorded his 16th consecutive save on Saturday, July 26, putting a 2-0 win on ice and extending his MLB-leading scoreless streak to 23 appearances and 22.1 innings.
Bednar put on a vintage performance, retiring the Diamondbacks in order and fanning two batters — including a three pitch strikeout of Eugenio Suárez, owner of 36 home runs on the season — across 13 pitches.
He did so while managing an external cacophony. The outing marked a major milestone, his 100th career save (all of them in Pittsburgh), and with the MLB trade deadline fast approaching and rumors swirling about his future, that save could end up as his last with the team he grew up cheering for.
After the win, an emotional Bednar said that focusing on the present moment helps him ignore the outside noise and savor the time he has left in Pittsburgh… however much time that might be.
“I think ultimately it’s just controlling what you can control. Some decisions are so far out of what’s in the realm of what I can control… just be where my feet are and attack each day,” Bednar said. “Just kind of soaking in every moment. Like I said, being where my feet are and enjoying the hell out of it.”
One Last Rodeo for the Renegade?
Bednar, the hometown kid who chose Styx’s “Renegade” as his walk-up song because of its significance for the Pittsburgh Steelers, credited the Pirates’ home crowd of 27,425 for their energy in the narrow win.
“Awesome crowd, as always. Always great pitching at PNC Park. That was awesome, especially after some ups and downs. Makes moments like this that much sweeter,” Bednar said. “It’s really special. I think every day I just have to pinch myself. It’s so special. It’s been awesome.”
If this is the end of the line for David Bednar, it would be hard to write a better conclusion.
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