Closer Melancon Quiet Exclamation Point for Pirates

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The greatest season by a Pittsburgh Pirates reliever began with doubt.

Mark Melancon struggled early on, blowing a save against the Chicago Cubs on April 21 while running his ERA to 8.53. Melancon responded by converting his next 35 save opportunities on his way to 51, the most in the majors and the most ever by a Pirate.

Melancon did it with a cerebral approach that preys on hitters’ weaknesses. Manager Clint Hurdle says Melancon has the best execution of any pitcher in baseball, starter or reliever.

The Pirates hope Melancon gets another chance to take the hill on Wednesday when they host the Cubs in the NL wild-card game.

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