Never in Boston Red Sox history has a relief pitcher put in a performance like Victoria’s Nick Pivetta did Monday night in Oakland.
The 30-year-old came on in relief in the third inning and delivered six innings of no-hit ball while striking out 13 A’s batters. The 13 strikeouts in relief are the most in one game by any Red Sox pitcher in the 122-year history of the franchise. Pivetta played for the Victoria HarbourCats in 2013, and posted his hometown team’s first victory.
“He threw the first pitch in our franchise history, became our first big leaguer and our first draft pick,” says HarbourCats’ Jim Swanson.
The Major League record for strikeouts for a reliever was set by Randy Johnson in 2001, and while Pivetta’s 13 is a big number, Swanson thinks an even bigger number is coming up.
“Nick is due a pretty big payday,” Swanson said. “I believe his contract is up at the end of this season and he’d be an incredible piece for a contending team.”
Pivetta started the season in the Red Sox’ rotation but was sent to the bullpen in May. Since then he’s recorded a 2.31 ERA, striking out 52 hitters in 35 innings.
Jordan Cunningham
