MLB43 min ago2 minute read

Pat Murphy Stands By Decision to Rest Ace Pitcher Before Game 5

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy defended saving ace Jacob Misiorowski for Game 5 instead of bringing him out of the bullpen in Game 4.

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Murphy sticks to his pitching strategy

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy is not letting critics get to him. After losing Game 4 to the Tampa Bay Rays in 12 innings on Tuesday, fans and commentators questioned why Murphy did not call on ace Jacob Misiorowski to lock down a World Series win.

Instead, Milwaukee stuck with its set plan. Misiorowski remained in the bullpen, sitting without stretching or warming up. The Rays scored two runs off lefty Shane Drohan in the 12th inning to grab a 4-3 victory and force Game 5 on Wednesday.

Why Misiorowski stayed in the bullpen

Righty Antonio Senzatela started the 12th inning before making way for Drohan after Joey Ortiz made a throwing error that allowed Junior Caminero to reach base. Murphy pointed out that Senzatela was throwing well and had plenty of experience. He noted that without the error, there would have been one out already.

Murphy also explained that asking Misiorowski to pitch in relief was too risky. Misiorowski started all 33 of his games this year across the regular season and playoffs. Rushing a starter to prepare from a cold seat in the bullpen could cause problems. It would also alter the pitching plan for Wednesday, where Misiorowski is slated to start on four days of rest.

The righty was outstanding all year, going 16-5 while leading the American League with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts.

Looking ahead with a series lead

Even with the Game 4 loss, Milwaukee was holding a commanding 3-0 series lead. Murphy understood why people questioned his choices, but he pointed out that nobody asks questions when decisions work out the other way. He accepted that taking critique comes with the territory of managing.

Saving Misiorowski means Milwaukee gets its top pitcher completely ready to start Game 5 as planned.

What it means for the next game

Milwaukee Brewers at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Thu, 29 Oct): Tampa Bay Rays win 42%, Milwaukee Brewers win 58%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 3, Milwaukee Brewers 3. Our safest pick: Rays +3.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers (MLB, Sat, 31 Oct): Milwaukee Brewers win 62%, Tampa Bay Rays win 38%; projected score Milwaukee Brewers 5, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Under 10.5 runs.