The Milwaukee Brewers are two wins away from their first World Series title ever, and it’s all thanks to an unlikely hero who has absolutely gone off this postseason. Lefty reliever Aaron Ashby has been a solid arm for the Brewers for three seasons, but right now, he’s straight up dominating. The guy has been Milwaukee’s best reliever, even better than their closer Trevor Megill, and it was on full display in their 5-4 Game 2 win on Saturday night.
Ashby Shuts the Door, Rewrites the Closer Role
Brewers manager Pat Murphy had some serious guts in Game 2, trusting Ashby to get the final five outs instead of bringing in Megill. Think about that: the dude was left in even after giving up a leadoff double in the ninth, even with the dangerous Yandy Diaz stepping up to the plate. Ashby slammed the door shut, grabbing the save and putting the Brewers up 2-0 in the series. This wasn’t a fluke either. Murphy has gone to Ashby for at least five outs in seven of his eight postseason appearances, and Ashby has now closed out three playoff games with a save. He’s been an absolute machine, throwing 15.2 innings, allowing just 5 hits, and giving up ZERO runs, all while striking out 17. That’s not just good, that’s video game level stuff.
Chasing a Ghost: Ashby Eyes Andrew Miller’s Record
Ashby’s postseason run isn’t just about winning games; he’s putting his name right there with the legends. After his 1.2 scoreless innings in Game 2, he’s now thrown 15.2 consecutive scoreless innings this postseason. That puts him one single out away from Andrew Miller’s all-time record of 16 scoreless innings to kick off a postseason, a record Miller set back in 2016 with Cleveland. Seriously, 15 2/3 scoreless innings, and still active? That’s just wild. Guys like Andy Hawkins and Goose Gossage are trailing him on that list. Just like Miller, Ashby is getting used for multiple innings against the opposing team’s best hitters, no matter if they’re lefties or righties. It makes sense, too, because Ashby, like Miller, used to be a starter. He knows how to go deep. Miller eventually gave up three runs in his final two appearances that 2016 run, so if Ashby keeps this up and doesn’t allow a single run the rest of the way, he’ll own the record for most innings in a single playoff run without letting up a run. Talk about some serious stakes!
The Brewers are on the verge of making history, two wins from that first World Series title. You know Ashby is going to be a key part of that. Keep an eye on every pitch, because every out from here on out could etch his name even deeper into the record books.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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