The rookie was the toughest pitcher they faced last night.

When it's working like it did today, he's a tough pitcher.

Statistically, he is the toughest pitcher to hit a homer against.

To use the Bush-appropriate metaphor, he's like a hitter facing a tough pitcher.

Who was the toughest pitcher you ever saw, Babe?

And coming off an especially tough pitcher like that made it more meaningful.

They faced a tough pitcher in Kevin Brown and turned it up.

"I think he's a tougher pitcher now because he battles," Torre said.

"The team jumped out and gave me a lead off of one of the toughest pitchers in the league right now," he said.

Who was the toughest pitcher to face with two out in the bottom of the ninth and the winning run on base?