Ashby Sets Postseason Record Despite Brewers' Game 4 Loss
Milwaukee reliever Aaron Ashby surpasses Andrew Miller for most consecutive scoreless innings to start a postseason during World Series clash with Tampa Bay.
Milwaukee Brewers reliever Aaron Ashby made MLB history during Game 4 of the World Series, though the effort ended in a 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in 12 innings, according to MLB.com.
Ashby pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in Game 4, extending his postseason scoreless streak to 18 innings. Per the Elias Sports Bureau, this breaks the previous record of 16 innings set by Andrew Miller with the 2016 Cleveland Indians. Additionally, MLB.com notes that Ashby is the first pitcher in playoff history to record at least five outs in seven or more consecutive appearances without allowing a run.
During Game 4, Ashby entered a 2-2 tie in the ninth, striking out Jonathan Aranda and inducing groundouts from Junior Caminero and Liam Hicks. He pitched a scoreless 10th and recorded one out in the 11th before manager Pat Murphy removed him due to a dip in sinker velocity from 98.3 mph to 96 mph, as reported by MLB.com.
Sports Illustrated reports that Ashby has struck out 20 batters while allowing five hits and three walks over his 18 scoreless innings. He has recorded saves in two NLCS games and Game 2 of the World Series. While the Brewers won the first eight games Ashby appeared in, the team fell short in Game 4 after Ashby departed.
Ashby, a former starting prospect who missed the 2023 season for left shoulder surgery, has transitioned to a reliever with a 2.71 ERA over 118 appearances, per MLB.com. As the series heads to Game 5, Sports Illustrated notes that fatigue may be a factor, as Ashby could be pitching his fourth game in six days.