Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby made postseason history during Tuesday night’s World Series Game 4, setting a new record for consecutive scoreless relief innings in a single postseason before the Brewers’ bullpen finally surrendered a heartbreaking defeat.
Ashby recorded a perfect ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays and followed it with another scoreless frame in the 10th. He also retired the first batter he faced in the 11th before leaving the game with 18 consecutive scoreless innings across nine postseason appearances.
His historic performance, however, could not prevent Milwaukee from losing 4-3 in 12 innings. The Rays rallied late to avoid elimination and force Game 5, leaving the Brewers one victory short of their first World Series championship.
Ashby Surpasses Andrew Miller’s Record
Ashby broke the previous postseason record held by Andrew Miller, who recorded 16 consecutive scoreless relief innings for Cleveland during the 2016 playoffs.
The Brewers left-hander reached the milestone with a clean ninth inning in Game 4, retiring Tampa Bay’s hitters without allowing a baserunner. He then continued his remarkable run by shutting down the Rays again in the 10th.
Ashby’s streak ended at 18 scoreless innings after he departed in the 11th, having retired the opening batter of the frame.
The achievement represents a remarkable turnaround for a pitcher who struggled in earlier postseason appearances. Across playoff outings in 2021, 2024 and 2025, Ashby surrendered nine runs, eight of them earned, over 9⅓ innings in 10 appearances.
This October, he has been a completely different pitcher.
Through his nine postseason appearances, Ashby has allowed just five hits, issued three walks and recorded 20 strikeouts. His consistency has made him one of Milwaukee’s most dependable bullpen weapons during its championship run.
Strong Regular Season Sets the Foundation
Ashby’s postseason dominance followed an impressive regular season in which he established himself as a reliable option out of the bullpen.
The left-hander finished with a 13-3 record and a 3.12 ERA across 71 relief appearances, giving Milwaukee an experienced arm capable of handling high-pressure situations.
His current scoreless stretch has also extended beyond the postseason. Including his regular-season work, Ashby has thrown a career-best 22⅔ consecutive scoreless innings.
That combination of regular-season consistency and postseason excellence has helped strengthen the Brewers’ relief corps, which had played a major role in the team’s push toward a World Series title.
Brewers’ Bullpen Finally Falters Against Tampa Bay
Despite Ashby’s historic outing, Milwaukee could not finish off the Rays in Game 4.
Rookie Cooper Pratt gave the Brewers a 3-2 lead with a solo home run to open the top of the 12th inning, putting the team within reach of a championship-clinching victory.
But Milwaukee’s rarely used relievers could not protect the advantage.
Antonio Senzatela took the mound for the bottom half of the inning, and the Rays immediately benefited from a throwing error by third baseman Joey Ortiz on Junior Caminero’s ground ball.
Rookie left-hander Shane Drohan then entered in relief but allowed three consecutive singles. Liam Hicks reached base before Jonny DeLuca drove home the tying run, bringing the score to 3-3.
With the bases loaded, pinch hitter Ben Williamson delivered the decisive single, sending the winning run home and giving Tampa Bay a dramatic 4-3 victory.
The result prevented Milwaukee from completing a World Series sweep and ensured the series would continue for at least one more game.
Record-Breaking Night Ends in Disappointment
Ashby’s performance highlighted the strength of Milwaukee’s bullpen, even as the team’s late collapse overshadowed the record.
The left-hander had done his part to keep the Brewers in control, delivering multiple scoreless innings when the game demanded precision and composure. His historic streak also surpassed a benchmark set by Miller, one of the most accomplished postseason relievers of his era.
Yet baseball’s narrow margins were on full display in the 12th inning. A defensive error, followed by three consecutive singles, turned what looked like a championship celebration into a painful defeat.
Milwaukee still holds a 3-1 advantage in the World Series and remains one win away from its first title. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has gained another opportunity after surviving elimination.
Game 5 Awaits as Brewers Look to Recover
The Brewers will have to regroup ahead of Game 5 after coming so close to closing out the series. Their bullpen has been a major strength throughout the postseason, and Ashby’s record-setting run remains a significant achievement despite Tuesday’s result.
For the Rays, the late rally provided renewed hope and extended their championship pursuit.
Ashby’s 18 scoreless postseason innings will stand as a historic accomplishment, but Milwaukee’s immediate focus will be on turning that individual excellence into a team victory in the next game.
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