CLEVELAND -- Padres closer Mason Miller vividly remembers his first MLB save, reciting exactly how it played out on April 9, 2024, while pitching for the Athletics against the Rangers.
Rookie Bradgley Rodriguez experienced the same joy on Friday night, working a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts for San Diego in its 7-5 victory over the Guardians at Progressive Field.
The 22-year-old gave up a leadoff double to Brayan Rocchio before retiring Steven Kwan on a grounder, then whiffing Chase DeLauter and Angel Martínez to preserve the Padres’ sixth consecutive win.
“I think he’ll remember this one, too,” two-time All-Star Miller said, smiling. “He’s 22, so young, and he’s so confident. You can talk about his future, but I’m excited about it right now. I’m happy for him.”
Rodriguez threw the two fastest pitches of the game, reaching 100.8 mph on a called strike three to DeLauter after firing a 100.6 mph heater on his first offering to Rocchio, who fouled it off.
“I’m just very emotional about getting that first save,” Rodriguez said through interpreter Jorge Merlos. “The first of many, hopefully, in my Major League career.
“I’m just going to keep going. Whatever point I get into the game, I’m going to be able to deliver again.”
A right-hander, Rodriguez earned his first save in his 58th appearance since making his debut last May 31. He has been undeniably impressive, fashioning a 1.98 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP, a 4-2 record and 68 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings.
With Miller having pitched twice in San Diego’s just-completed series against the Brewers, manager Craig Stammen said it was time to give the closer of the future a chance in the present.
“What we’re seeing is foreshadowing what he’ll probably be throughout his career,” Stammen said. “He’s one of the best relievers in baseball, and he proved it again tonight being able to pitch the ninth.
“Even giving up a leadoff double, for a rookie on the road, and to just go get 1-2-3 right after that was pretty big.”
Miller has been virtually unhittable, with 30 saves in 31 opportunities this season, setting a great example for Rodriguez as the Padres’ lone representative at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Battle-tested veterans Jason Adam, currently injured with a right shoulder strain, and Wandy Peralta also have provided a template that the Venezuelan national is attempting to follow.
“What I’ve learned from these veterans is there is a sense of calmness you need when you’re going out there for that last inning,” Rodriguez said. “You don’t have all that anxiety. To me, it’s about having that calmness to the best of my ability to get guys out.”
The Padres extended their winning streak to six and remained in the second Wild Card spot in the National League. Luis Campusano delivered the go-ahead, two-run double in the fifth and finished with three RBIs, and Xander Bogaerts had a two-run homer and also drove in three.
Fernando Tatis Jr. added a solo shot in the fifth for San Diego, which is 10-3 this month and has won 16 of 20 since July 24. The Padres scored five straight runs off Gavin Williams to silence the sellout crowd.
Michael King (8-8) worked six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on a season-high eight hits for the victory. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 1.26 ERA in eight career appearances (three starts) against Cleveland.
When Rodriguez took the ball for the ninth, King was eager to watch him put the Guardians to bed.
“You could definitely see how good his stuff was last year, and the more confidence he’s gotten, the more success he’s had,” King said. “All of us went through some struggles early in our careers, but I don’t know if he’s ever had that.
“You just know he’s going to be successful.”