Pirates Teammate Defends David Bednar After Home Fans Boo Struggling Closer

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 9, 2024

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar (51) / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates fans were none too pleased with David Bednar on Tuesday after the closer blew a save against the Detroit Tigers. Bednar was harshly booed by the home crowd at PNC Park after he surrendered four runs in the top of the ninth.

Bednar managed to record just one out during his appearance on Tuesday, and fans weren't happy after a 3–1 lead was quickly turned into a 5–3 deficit. It was Bednar's third blown save in four tries this season.

After the game, Bednar was preparing to address the media when Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez stepped in and showed some support to Pittsburgh's closer.

"This is the pride of Pittsburgh, to everybody. We don't do that out here," said Tellez of the fans booing Bednar. "We're a good team, we're winning for a reason, we're gonna get our man (Bednar) back on track. But what happened today is, I think, unacceptable. We as a group in Pittsburgh got to be better. He's an All-Star for a reason, and we just have to be better. That being said, two-time All-Star."

Rowdy Tellez steps up and speaks up for David Bednar after a blown save today.

Real one.

(via @mearshannah_) pic.twitter.com/K9rJ0GVk9h

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) April 9, 2024

Bednar told reporters how much the support from Tellez and the rest of the team means to him as he looks to re-discover the form that's seen him selected to the past two All-Star Games.

Bednar is a Pittsburgh native, and to be booed in front of the home crowd during the loss was a difficult moment for the 29-year-old. He's racked up 62 saves over the last four years with the Pirates, including 39 in 2023, but he's off to a slow start in 2024 having surrendered at least one run in three of his first five appearances.