Twins pitcher Samuel Deduno throws curve with real bite

Published Jul. 23, 2013 10:56 a.m. ET

foxsports

Minnesota Twins pitcher Samuel Deduno unleashed his secret weapon during Monday's win over the Angels: his necklace.
No, it had nothing to do with wearing the braided Phiten titanium necklace around his neck. Deduno instead opted to chew it while pitching -- and it worked.
With one out in the seventh inning and a runner on third, Deduno put the necklace in his mouth and fired a 1-2 pitch to Angels left fielder J.B. Shuck. Deduno's curveball -- or perhaps it was the necklace -- fooled Shuck, who swung and missed at the pitch for the second out. It was one of five strikeouts for Deduno, who pitched seven innings and got the win in the Twins' 4-3 victory.
Deduno also may have started a trend. Many players wear similar necklaces, but Deduno appears to be the first to eat it while pitching.
Whatever works.

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