Milwaukee Brewers: Increased plate discipline paying off

The Milwaukee Brewers offense has scored seven or more runs five times in September. Increased plate discipline is likely a factor.

In April and May, the Brewers offense was rolling.  The Milwaukee Brewers scored 135 runs each in 26 and 27 games respectively.  However, the bats cooled as summer heated up.  In August, the Crew was second worst in baseball with only 103 runs.

September has been a different story for the Milwaukee nine.  Entering the day on September 20, the Brewers have scored 79 runs.  One factor is likely a different approach at the plate by many of the starters.

More Pitches Per Plate Appearance

Regulars including Eric Thames, Neil Walker and Eric Sogard have seen more pitchers per at bat in the past seven games through September 19.

* In games with Milwaukee

Statistics Courtesy Foxsports.com

Impact

Deeper counts from increased plate discipline in recent games have allowed the Milwaukee Brewers to chase starters earlier in the game.  Since the 15-2 victory over the Cubs on September 9, no opposing pitcher has gone more than six innings.  Only four opposing starters have gone more than five innings in that stretch.

Deeper counts also often lead to walks.  In the past seven games through September 19, the Brewers have drawn 37 walks.  Sogard and Walker have been key at the top of the order, drawing six and five walks respectively.  More men on base brings more opportunities to score runs.

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While the Brewers pitching has been excellent in this pennant race, the offense has made strides to return to the scoring prowess of April.  Milwaukee will need to continue this disciplined approach into the pivotal four game series against the Cubs this weekend.