Wednesday night was rough for Jonathan Papelbon. He blew his second save of the season in an 8-6 loss to the Rockies, allowing three runs on three hits, including Jason Giambi's walk-off two-run home run. Sean McAdam of CSNNE takes a look at the closer's mentality after the game, and while in the past Papelbon has been able to quickly move past a poor outing, Wednesday was different.
"It's pretty tough, man,'' said Papelbon in a soft, raspy voice "just because of the simple fact that I've been throwing the ball well. Tonight, I go out there and throw flat pitches and it's just unacceptable.''
The pitch to Stewart was a flat four-seam fastball that caught the middle of the plate; Giambi got a gift -- "a flat hanging split,'' according to Papelbon.
Again, it is only Papelbon's second blown save this season (and just his second since July 30 of last year), but both have been particularly "morale-sinking," with Wednesday's loss coming after the Red Sox managed to get to Ubaldo Jimenez for six runs, coupled with the May 17 loss "after the Sox had rallied back from another early deficit against the Yankees."
Every closer has blown saves. What is important though is how they react the next time. For Sox fans, let's hope Papelbon will have a short memory.