Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana threw the fourth complete-game shutout of his career yesterday – the first in nearly two years – limiting the New York Mets to just 4 hits in a 9-0 victory.
Known by the entire league as a strikeout pitcher, Santana recorded just one on the night, and it didn't come until the ninth inning.
After realizing that the Mets were swinging early, Santana adjusted his pitches, the Mets started to hit out to his defense, and the result was quicker innings, a low pitch count, fewer strike outs and no runs.
"I wasn't even able to get to two strikes on many of those guys because they were swinging early," Santana told mlb.com.
"At the same time, we were getting outs. I will trade my strikeouts for all those kind of outs right there, because it's quicker and much easier. You don't have to throw that many pitches."
And not only does Santana get to celebrate his performance, but also winning his bet against former Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven.
The two had a wager on the way to Shea Stadium, with Blyleven promising to shave his head if Santana got a shut-out.
When asked about the wager, Santana told mlb.com, "Done deal it's going to happen.” The plan is for Blyleven's shearing to take place today at 2:30 pm - "hopefully by game time, he'll be bald," said Santana.
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