Ashby’s Dominance in Game 1
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Aaron Ashby entered Friday’s Game 1 of the World Series with a 2-1 lead and retired five Tampa Bay Rays batters to help secure a 3–2 victory. The performance was defined by efficiency; Ashby threw just 20 pitches, 14 of which were strikes, to record three strikeouts and keep the game scoreless.
The Brewers improved to an 8–1 record this postseason with the win, including a 6–1 mark in games decided by one or two runs. The team also yielded just three home runs during the playoffs, contributing to a historic moment as they won the first homerless World Series Game 1 in 26 years.
A Reliever Built for Pressure
Manager Pat Murphy has relied on Ashby in high-leverage situations throughout the postseason, using him in every tied or one-run game. During his 14 shutout innings, Ashby has allowed only seven runners to reach base.
This level of endurance in relief is rare in modern baseball history. Only Goose Gossage has thrown more shutout innings in relief in a single postseason, recording 14 1/3 innings in 1981. Ashby’s current total matches the previous benchmark set over four decades ago.
From College Struggles to Playoff Hero
Ashby’s path to this moment was not linear. When he was scouted at Crowder College in Missouri in 2017, he struggled significantly on a 40-degree day, walking eight straight batters (later correcting to nine) while throwing between 89–91 mph.
To address these issues, Ashby changed his grip to mimic Chris Sale’s slider after his curveball was "getting crushed" in college. This slider remained his best pitch until shoulder surgery forced him to miss the 2023 season and caused him to fail as a starter for two years prior, posting a 5–12 record and a 4.47 ERA.
His recovery involved more than just physical rehabilitation. During spring training following his surgery, Manager Pat Murphy initially mistook Ashby for a fantasy camper due to his poor appearance. However, everything changed in August 2024 after his trainer removed scar tissue from his shoulder, allowing him to regain fastball velocity while playing in Triple A.
A Family Legacy and Current Form
Ashby, the nephew of former MLB pitcher Andy Ashby, was drafted by the Brewers in the fourth round. His resurgence has been stark; in the current season prior to the playoffs, he was 13–3 with a 3.12 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 89 1/3 innings.
His ability to shut down batters in the World Series continues a trend of steady performance after overcoming significant physical and professional setbacks. The Brewers’ reliance on him in tight games has paid off, as he remains one of the most effective relievers in postseason history.