Here's how the Indians scored four of the easiest runs in MLB history
The Cincinnati Reds bullpen has been historically bad. Only two relievers have an ERA below 4.91 with five pitchers boasting ERAs above 7.00. Some of the struggles are due to the bullpen being overtaxed worn out, but there is certainly talent lacking in Cincinnati.
On Tuesday night, the Reds hit a new low. In the fifth inning, the bullpen got the call. With runners on first and third Steve Delabar came into the game. He walked Jason Kipnis to load the bases before striking out the next batter, Francisco Lindor. And then came the disaster.
Delabar walked Mike Napoli, Jose Ramirez, Yan Gomes and Lonnie Chisenhall consecutively, plating four runs thanks to four straight walks.
It was the easiest four runs a team could have ever scored, and just the first time an Indians player has walked around the bases to score a run since 1969.
"That might have been the easiest run scored that I've had," Kipnis said after the game. "I worked on my leads. I was very professional. I got some stuff done there. Some good crow hops and secondary leads. That doesn't happen often."
#ShrimpAlert means a walk-off-walk, but what do you use for four straight runs walked home? https://t.co/iicmT065J9 pic.twitter.com/PGwrwHLpjj
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 18, 2016
As for the Reds, Delabar is the first pitcher since 1974 to walk four straight batters after loading the bases.
Steve Delabar is the only pitcher since at least 1974 to walk 4 straight batters w/ bases already loaded, per FG research (h/t @japemstein)
— August Fagerstrom (@AugustFG_) May 18, 2016
Furthermore, it's just the sixth time a team has drawn four consecutive walks with the bases already loaded, according to FanGraphs. The last time it was done was in 2004 by the Pirates.
