Britton ties Tom Gordon for 2nd-longest consecutive saves streak
Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton converted his 54th consecutive save Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays, tying him with Tom Gordon for the second-longest streak in history.
Britton wasn't his customary untouchable self despite polishing off the win. He came into the game with a three-run lead and allowed three hits and an earned run before striking out Steve Pearce to put a bow on the victory.
While the Blue Jays have struggled to score runs in general, and especially against Britton, the closer hasn't had it easy in his four appearances against them this season. In five innings, he's allowed 10 hits and three walks.
The run was the first Britton has allowed in any situation since Aug. 24 of last season against the Washington Nationals, a span of 19 consecutive games. The 29-year-old has only allowed 19 earned runs since the beginning of the 2015 season.
The inning raised his ERA on the season to 1.29.
| Pitcher | Team | Years | Consec. SV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Gagne | Dodgers | 2002-04 | 84 |
| Zach Britton | Orioles | 2015-Present | 54 |
| Tom Gordon | Red Sox | 1998-99 | 54 |
| Jeurys Familia | Mets | 2015-16 | 52 |
| Jose Valverde | Tigers | 2010-11 | 51 |
Britton passed New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia on Thursday night for the third-longest streak, though It will take him a while longer if he wants to match Eric Gagne's 84 consecutive saves. If he equals his 2016 total, however, it is a conversation that will come up before season's end.