Pirates Closer Joel Hanrahan Ending Games With Style

Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan has been getting the final out of games with a strikeout throughout the month of May.  In his last six one inning save opportunities, he has struckout two bad guys five times, in the other opportunity he had one whiff.

On the season, Hanrahan has 24 strikeouts in 19.1 innings pitched. He has chalked up 13 saves with nine coming in May.

He’s brought a new excitement to the ninth inning and on a few occassions, including last night, is pitching out of self made jams.  But one thing has happened in numerous May outings.  It’s the most exciting thing that could possibly happen when the game is on the line and your favorite team has their closer on the mound.

Hanrahan takes that deep breath, he typically walks behind the mound, puts his right hand in his mouth, wipes it off on his hat and steps back up on the pitching rubber.  What happens next sends Pirates fans through the roof and to their twitter account to hurriedly type #RAISEIT!

Hanrahan closes out games with impressive strikeouts.  Here are a few of those starting with last nights whiff of Ryan Hanigan:

Whiff!  Prince Fielder, said “nice,” in the direction of the Hanranator before walking to the clubhouse a loser.

Whiff! No chance.

Whiff!  Castro. Over.

Whiff!  One for his Grandmother.

Whiff!  Bow to the Dictator.

Put your head down when you bow.

Head down!