San Diego Padres at Cleveland Guardians

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.”