What happened: Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Mason Montgomery has maintained a dominant run out of the bullpen. The left-hander has been highly effective since taking over closing duties, anchoring the back end of the staff.
Why it matters: His emergence has stabilized late-game situations for a Pittsburgh club riding a five-game winning streak. The performance provides a reliable ninth-inning option as the Pirates push through the final week of the season.
By the numbers: Pittsburgh holds a 76-74 record. Montgomery has converted 11 consecutive save opportunities since July 11, posting a 0.73 ERA over that span.
What to watch: The Pirates face the St. Louis Cardinals in a scheduled matchup.