MLB - US Sports: Hader shines twice in one day

bet365 News Team 31 May 22

Josh Hader recorded his 17th and 18th saves of the season during a Monday double, becoming the first pitcher to manage it this season in one day.

The Milwaukee Brewers are 9/1 to win the World Series and only seven pitchers in Brew Crew history have logged saves in both ends of a doubleheader, including Hall of Famer, Rollie Fingers, twice. The last was current bullpen coach Jim Henderson in 2013.

Double up for Monday club

After throwing 16 pitches for his 17th save of the season in the Milwaukee Brewers first game of a doubleheader in a 7-6 win over the Chicago Cubs, Hader needed 13 pitches for his 18th save in a 3-1 victory just six hours later in the nightcap, becoming the first pitcher in Major League Baseball to do it this season.

Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks and the San Diego Padres’ Mark Melancon both completed the feat in 2021.

Hader is a three-time National League Reliever of the Year and he is performing better than ever.

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No stress between games

Hader has yet to allow a run in 16 and 2/3's of an inning, opponents are 4 for 55 against him, with six walks and 26 strikeouts. He has pitched 18 times this season and has 18 saves, a Major League record.

Speaking to the official Milwaukee Brewers website, Hader said: "The first game wasn't too bad. It was a little longer than normal, but good enough to where I felt I could bounce back and get after it.

"After a few hours following game one, I got some work done, flushed the system out, relaxed and felt good enough.

"I think it's really hard to tell how you feel at that point but you just have to get out and do it if you can."

The Brewers top the National League Central with a 32-18 record and a four game lead over the St Louis Cardinals.