PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – After giving up a couple of runs in Monday night against the Reds, new Pirates manager Don Kelly not only went right back to David Bednar with a 1-0 lead, but in the ninth inning. Bednar got the save and the Bucs broke a four-game losing streak.
"I think that's what it's all about — them having the trust in me, me trusting them and just continuing to deliver in those opportunities," Bednar said.
“Heck of a job there, bouncing back from (Monday),” said manager Don Kelly.
Kelly said he will pick his spots when using Bednar or Dennis Santana to close a game, Tuesday it was Bednar. His first save since April 30 in a year where he was demoted back to AAA to work on his game and has come back with solid performances.
"Just the extra conviction of knowing what makes me good and why I'm able to have success,” Bednar said of what is different now. “Just kind of continuing to build on that, keep that going and let that build outing to outing."
Much of that is the confidence in the curveball to throw in nearly any situation. When he was struggling the curve wasn’t landing and it limits what he’s able to do. He now believes he can execute it whenever he needs it. When he can throw that pitch in any count it sets up his fastball and changes his game.
"I think just being in the zone with all three (pitches) is a big reason why I'm able to have success,” Bednar said. “Just filling it up with all of them, and I have all the confidence in the world with all three of them. I think that's a huge weapon for me."
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His manager agreed and showed it by actions and then after the game with words.
“His command of his off-speed,” Kelly said. “I think he is opening up his fastball, allowing it to play.”
"I think in this game, you've got to have a short memory,” Bednar said. “I know what I'm capable of and I know what I'm able to be. Just get right back out there and get the job done."
Whether he’s called in the seventh, eighth or ninth innings, Bednar said he’ll be ready when the phone rings. He’ll take the same attitude regardless of the inning. He just wants to get the job done.
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Now that he can throw his curve for strikes, he’s doing that more often.