Mar 25, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte (6) smiles before the start of the spring training exhibition game against the Toronto Blue Jays at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Pirates closer Mark Melancon took the hill Friday night sporting a big-league best 32 saves and a nifty streak of 21 consecutive scoreless appearances.
But his impressive streak was about to be snapped, or so it looked.
With Pittsburgh up a run, Melancon came on to shut down the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth. But Melancon gave up a lead-off single to Brandon Phillips, followed by a sacrifice bunt and a walk to Reds slugger Joey Votto, putting the go-ahead run on first base with one out and Home Run Derby champ Todd Frazier coming up to the plate.
That's when Starling Marte took over as the star of the game.
Frazier ripped a ball past Pirates third baseman Aramis Ramirez. Phillips rounded third and charged home as the potential tying run. Marte gunned a one-hopper to catcher Francisco Cervelli to nail Phillips.
The streak lived to see another batter.
That was Marlon Byrd, digging into the batter's box with Votto in scoring position at second. Byrd hit a sinking liner into left. Marte charged, charged and, well, watch:
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