Of course, the makeup of some clubs is better suited for holding or gaining leads late in games. Here’s a look at the Top 5 teams in one-run games heading into Thursday’s action:
1) San Francisco Giants (17-9 in one-run games)
Last year, the Twins led the league in one-run wins with 31. The Giants have 17 and we’ve got more than two thirds of the season left.
The defending World Series champions own a stable of quality arms with swing-and-miss stuff in their starting rotation, but the relief staff is getting the job done too. The Giants possess the sixth best bullpen ERA in the majors (3.23) and sport a 15-6 win-loss record.
Before we shower San Fran with too much praise, keep in mind that the club is actually down over 10 units on the runline. That means a lot of those one-run wins were probably games in which it was favored to win.
2) Arizona Diamondbacks (14-8)
The Diamondbacks had won eight straight one-run games before falling 3-2 to the Pirates Wednesday night. Arizona has been all over the map but the club does consistently touch a lot of bases late in games. The D-backs are tied for the third-best slugging percent (.402) from the seventh inning on.
Arizona’s bullpen is in the bottom third of the league in ERA and its other numbers aren’t all that flattering either. But Kirk Gibson’s boys are in good shape going into the ninth with a short lead. Closer J.J. Putz is money in the bank in the final frame with 17 saves in 19 opportunities.
3) Cleveland Indians (12-8)
The Indians may be coming back down to earth, but they’re still coming up on the right side of a lot of close contests. Cleveland is 6-2 in one-run games since May 4.
The secret to the Indians’ success: Coming up with a hit with runners in scoring position. Cleveland bats .281 with RISP compared to just .251 with bases empty.
4) Baltimore Orioles (9-5)
The O’s aren’t involved in as many nail biters but they tend to come through in the clutch. Buck Showalter’s club is more selective at the dish in late-game scenarios. Their on-base percentage jumps from.306 in the first six innings to .333 in the seventh inning on.
5) Philadelphia Phillies (10-7)
What’s not to like about the Phillies? They’ve got an All-Star rotation and the third-best bullpen in the big leagues. Philly is 20-1 in save opportunities this season and that’s without a healthy Brad Lidge. Imagine how dominant the Phillies will be in late innings once Ryan Madison returns to the set-up role and resumes ninth-inning duties.
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