Russell Martin Growing Accustomed To Playing Hero
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Pirates' catcher Russell Martin got the day off in the series finale against the Miami Marlins, but when his name was called to pinch hit late in a tied game, he came up clutch as the Pirates completed the three-game sweep.
"Definitely one of those moments where you're kind of just sitting around waiting for that moment to happen," Martin said. "And when the bench coach tells me I'm going to be fifth the next inning, I kind of took my bat, went and took some swings and got ready. Those are the situations that you wait for, and that's why you play the game."
The Pirates had to overcome a 4-0 defect against the Marlins, and Martin told the Pirates postgame show of Dan Zangrilli and Kevin Orie why they're able to pull these wins out time after time.
"Our offense doesn't panic because our pitching has been doing so great. So, whenever you're a couple of runs behind, you don't panic because you feel like your pitchers are going to keep the game where it is at that moment," he said. "Having that feeling gives you confidence as an offense knowing that a couple of runs, it's not the end of the world."
Martin also discusses working with rookie catcher Tony Sanchez and getting the postgame shaving cream pie from A.J. Burnett.
