Pitcher Who Served Time In California For Fatal Crash Wins MLB Game
PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Tampa Bay reliever Andrew Bellatti, who served jail time as a teen after a fatal car crash, was the winning pitcher in his major league debut Saturday night as the Rays beat the Texas Rangers 7-2.
The 23-year-old Bellatti (1-0) gave up one hit and one walk in 3 1-3 scoreless innings. He struck out two.
Bellatti was sentenced as a 19-year-old in 2010 to eight months in jail and five years' probation as the driver in an accident that killed another driver.
Bellatti served three months in California. He had written a letter to the widow of the victim, and she had asked the judge to release him early.
The former 12th-round draft pick left in the ninth with the bases loaded and one out. Brad Boxberger entered and got consecutive outs for his eighth save.
Ross Detwiler (0-4) took the loss.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.