The lefty reliever worked around a runner on third in the ninth to seal a 5-4 win over the Rays.
Aaron Ashby does not panic, even with the tying run standing 90 feet away in a World Series game. The Brewers reliever proved it again Saturday night, closing out a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field to push Milwaukee's series lead to 2-0.
With a one-run lead in the ninth and a runner on third, Ashby faced Yandy Diaz, who finished the season with the highest batting average with runners in scoring position in the sport. He fell behind 3-1 before dropping in a curveball to even the count, and the tension in the stadium rose as yellow towels waved. Manager Pat Murphy stuck with Ashby even though typical closer Trevor Megill had been warming in the bullpen.
Ashby got the job done, extending a dominant postseason run that has made him a central figure in Milwaukee's run through October. Asked how he stays so calm in those moments, he said it comes down to a mix of deep breathing and prayer, describing a sense of peace he said he has carried with him for a while.
The Brewers now need just two more wins to capture the franchise's first World Series title.