ATLANTA (AP) – John Smoltz can get started on a new streak.
Through no fault of his own, the Atlanta Braves closer finally pitched in a game that his team didn’t win.
Smoltz hadn’t done that in more than a year, setting a major league record by being a part of 73 winning games in a row.
“I wanted it to go on forever, see how long I could take it,” he said Tuesday, a day after the streak ended with a 7-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. “I personally don’t think it will be broken.”
The Braves had not lost a game in which Smoltz appeared since May 29, 2002.
Smoltz did his part to keep the streak going, striking out two while working a hitless ninth inning on Monday. He left with the game still tied.
, and Roberto Hernandez gave up a grand slam to Adam Dunn in the 11th.
Even so, Smoltz easily broke the previous record, which was held by Dennis Eckersley. He appeared in a 53 straight winning games for Oakland in 1991-92, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
“It’s awesome,” Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone said. “You do something like that, you put yourself in position for the Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards.”
Smoltz usually comes into the game with the Braves leading, so he’s able to control his destiny. He’s been the best closer in the game over the past two years, saving an NL-record 55 games in 2002 and going into Tuesday night’s game against the Reds with 19 saves, best in the majors.
The last two times Smoltz squandered a save, the Braves came back to win the game in extra innings.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” Braves starter Greg Maddux said. “So many things have to go right. Obviously, the ball has to bounce your way.”
Smoltz, a starter for most of his career, is still adjusting to his new role. The streak helped keep him motivated when he went a few days without pitching or had to take the mound without his best stuff.
“It was fun,” he said. “I’ll just have to start a new one.”
AP-ES-05-27-03 2059EDT
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