As the Philadelphia Phillies prepared for the 2008 postseason, closer Brad Lidge was frequently asked how it would feel to blow a save in the playoffs after converting every opportunity during the regular season. Lidge never had to find out, ending the season 48-for-48 in save chances, while helping Philadelphia win a championship.
Orioles closer Zach Britton, who was placed on the disabled list with a left forearm strain April 16, is having comparable success pitching in the ninth inning for manager Buck Showalter. He has saved 53 consecutive games dating back to the start of the 2016 season, becoming the fifth closer in baseball history to record 50 straight saves.
"It's adrenaline, momentum and confidence," Lidge said on Glenn Clark Radio April 17. "There's never a great time to [blow a save], and it really doesn't affect too much. You can go out there to get a save and somebody breaks the bat and gets a hit, that's not going to change your confidence. Whether you blow it or not, it really shouldn't impact you."
