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Dodgersâ Alex Vesia describes unmatched 'adrenaline' during clutch save on 30th birthday
TL;DR
On his 30th birthday, Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia secured a clutch save against the Mets, striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning. His performance was fueled by the adrenaline from the supportive crowd at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgersâ Alex Vesia describes unmatched 'adrenaline' during clutch save on 30th birthday originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers turned towards birthday boy Alex Vesia to protect the one-run lead against the New York Mets on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. With incredible crowd support behind him, Vesia struck out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning to record his second save of the season.
After Kyle Tucker drove in a run in the eighth inning to take a 2-1 lead, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts signaled towards the pen not for primary closer Edwin Diaz but for Vesia, asking him to take the reins in the ninth inning.
In order, Vesia struck out Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette and Francisco Alvarez as he was fired up after recording the final out of the game.
After the game, Vesia talked to the reporters about the unmatched "adrenaline" he was experiencing with the crowd cheering his name.
"Yeah, when my name's called on the announcement and my song comes on and just the roar, right? I'm a big adrenaline guy, and that's, you know, that adrenaline shock is something that I can't truly explain, but it is one of the best feelings," Vesia said.
This was Vesia's second save of the season as the Dodgers continue to turn towards him with questions around Edwin Diaz's struggles and availability concerns this early in the season. Particularly for this game, Diaz was unavailable as he had thrown bullpen session earlier in the day.
More:Â Dodgers stay mysterious as Edwin Diaz questions swirl
Alex Vesia joins Dodgers' birthday save club
Including Tuesday's clutch save, Alex Vesia now has 15 career saves, 14 of which came during the regular season and one came in Game 2 of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees.
In total, five such pitchers in Dodgers history have recorded saves on their birthdays.
Former legendary Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen had two saves for the club on his birthdays. Lerrin LaGrow, Tom Niedenfuer and Caleb Ferguson are the rest of the three pitchers to do so.
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Q&A
What did Alex Vesia achieve on his 30th birthday during the game against the Mets?
Alex Vesia recorded a clutch save by striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning.
Who did Dodgers manager Dave Roberts choose to pitch in the ninth inning instead of Edwin Diaz?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts chose Alex Vesia to pitch in the ninth inning instead of primary closer Edwin Diaz.
How did the crowd react to Alex Vesia's performance during the game?
The crowd at Dodger Stadium supported Alex Vesia enthusiastically, cheering his name and contributing to his adrenaline during the game.
