If it seems like the Milwaukee Brewers have been using Aaron Ashby a lot this month, it’s because they have.
The left-handed pitcher who closed Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday, Oct. 24 has pitched 15.2 innings in October. The Brewers have played 10 games, and Ashby has appeared in eight of them.
Advertisement
Even more remarkable: the next run Ashby allows this month will be the first.
MORE: Junior Caminero explodes in Rays’ dugout after Chandler Simpson’s miscue
No pitcher has ever thrown that many innings in a single postseason without allowing a run. New York Yankees closer Goose Gossage set the record in 1981 with 14.1
Ashby etched his name in MLB history by throwing 1.2 innings, allowing one hit, and striking out three in a scoreless performance at American Family Field.
The Brewers lead the Tampa Bay Rays in the best-of-seven World Series 2-0.
MORE: World Series Game 2 ends on borderline check-swing call
Advertisement
Ashby is also the first pitcher in postseason history to get at least five outs in six consecutive appearances and not allow a run in any of them, according to Sarah Langs.
Ashby’s curveball for strike three to Yandy Diaz in the top of the ninth inning Saturday stranded the Rays’ Jonny DeLuca 90 feet from home plate to preserve a 5-4 victory. But his changeup has been the key to his postseason success.
“I feel like the changeup’s been one of the things that’s been working for me lately,” Ashby said. “We actually changed the grip, like, two weeks ago. I think it was before the San Diego series. It just felt a lot better.”
Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Monday in St. Petersburg, Florida.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Comments
Advertisement