Freeze Frame: 'Mad' Holderman's immaculate inning

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Pirates didn't get the result they wanted, dropping their fourth straight game in a 3-2 loss to the Rays on Thursday.

But, even in the bad stretches, there can be shining moments.

Colin Holderman provided one of those moments on Thursday. He took the ball in the seventh inning, trying to keep the Pirates within striking distance in a two-run game. Holderman answered the call, striking out the side on nine pitches, otherwise known as an immaculate inning.

"It’s incredible," Holderman said. "I’m extremely fortunate and thankful that it happened. It didn’t really cross my mind. I think that’s for the better. But, I’m happy."

Holderman wasn't happy when he came into the game, though. It was the polar opposite, which plays into the type of pitcher he is, regardless of the result.

"I was pretty mad going into it," Holderman said. "Just honed that energy to the plate. I don’t like losing. So, I was a little pent up when I went out there. ... Every time I grab the ball, I have the ultimate confidence in myself, no matter who the hitter is. The game is me against myself when I’m out there. That’s just how I take every day."

All three strikeouts came via the sweeper, which has been a very effective pitch for Holderman this season. So far this season, batters are 3-for-22 (.136) with no extra-base hits and 13 strikeouts.

Whether it's anger or whatever emotion, Holderman's demeanor definitely plays a role into how effective he is on the mound.

"Aside from the stuff, it’s the mentality. The guy’s a savage," Oscar Marin recently told traveling media. "It doesn’t matter who’s up there. Lefty, righty match-up, I think you guys see it: it doesn’t matter. That’s part of having a good bullpen guy is the mentality behind what he’s doing. I think that’s the word I would describe him as: he’s a savage."

For the cherry on top, Holderman was donning the A.J. Burnett-patented "Sit The F--- Down" T-shirt in the clubhouse after the game.