Snuffer

Since giving up a two-run, game-tying home run to Tampa Bay's Johnny Gomes in the bottom of the ninth on July 28 -- a game the Red Sox won 12-6, thanks to a six-run 12th inning -- Jonathan Papelbon has faced 51 batters.

And allowed only one hit.

14.2 innings over 14 games, 1 hit, 1 HBP, 0 runs, 4 walks, 24 strikeouts. 146 of 200 pitches were strikes. None of his six inherited runners scored. (This hit was a two-out single by Orlando Cabrera in the first game of the August 17 doubleheader.)

In 2006, Papelbon pitched 68.1 innings and threw 1,019 pitches. His season ended on September 1.

As of September 6, 2007, he has pitched 17 fewer innings (51.1) and thrown 205 fewer pitches (814).

(This is a sequel to my usage post about three weeks ago.)