Milwaukee Brewers: Gio Gonzalez to start Game 1

After much speculation that the Milwaukee Brewers would call on Jhoulys Chacin for Game 1 of the NLCS, manager Craig Counsell gives the nod to left-hander Gio Gonzalez to face counter part Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Many fans were certain that Craig Counsell would more than likely give the ball to Jhoulys Chacin to face-off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLCS. Moments after advancing past the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, three games-to-one, the Dodgers wasted no time in naming 3-time Cy Young Award Winner Clayton Kershaw as their guy for the first game of the NLCS. It was announced earlier today that lefty Gio Gonzalez will pitch for the first time in the 2018 postseason.

Now let’s compare the two “South Paws”.

Is Kershaw still that good?

If you are a baseball fan, the name Clayton Kershaw is very common to hear during the season because he is one of the most dominant pitchers since 2011. Let’s take a look at his stats this year while pitching for L.A.:

• Record:  9-5 (.643%)
• 2.73 ERA
• 161.1 IP
• 155 K
• 29 BB
• 1.041 WHIP
• 133 H
• 17 HR (has allowed 55 R; 49 ER)

How has Kershaw done in the post season?

Not great. Kershaw has dominant regular season numbers, but the postseason doesn’t  get a long well with the Texas born left handed starter. It’s been noted that he is known to tire out quicker in postseason appearances and gives up more homers.

• Record:  8-7 (.533%)
• 4.08 ERA
• 130.0 IP
• 142 K
• 37 BB
• 1.046 WHIP
• 99 H
• 37 HR (has allowed 63 R; 59 ER)

Kershaw pitched Game Two in the NLDS against Atlanta and he went eight innings, allowing two hits and striking out three batters. This was his most dominant postseason performance in a few years.

How about Gio Gonzalez?

As Milwaukee Brewers fans know, Gonzalez was acquired from the Washington Nationals at the July 31st Trade Deadline this year after spending 6 1/2 years with the Nationals organization.

Let’s take a quick look on how he did with D.C. before he got traded to Milwaukee:

• Record:  7-11 (.389%)
• 4.57 ERA
• 145.2 IP
• 126 K
• 70 BB
• 1.531 WHIP
• 153 H
• 15 HR (allowed 77 R; 74 ER)

Ever since coming to Milwaukee, Gonzalez has been nothing short of outstanding. The Brewers have had key moments offensively when the 33-year old veteran is on the mound. Here are his stats since joining the NL Central Division Champions:

• Record:  3-0 (5 GS for Milwaukee; 1.000%)
• 2.13 ERA
• 25.1 IP
• 22 K
• 10 BB
• .947 WHIP
• 14 H
• 2 HR (has allowed 7 R; 6 ER)

Needless to say that Gio’s time with the Milwaukee Brewers has been worth noticing.  Three of his five starts with Milwaukee have been in front of the hometown fans at Miller Park.  So, putting on a show to impress your new fans have been exactly what Brewer fans have been looking for in a starting pitcher.

What about Gonzalez’ numbers in the post season?

Gonzalez was moved out into the bullpen in the NLDS against Colorado and didn’t see any action during Milwaukee’s three game sweep of the Rockies. He’s only made six starts in the post season with the Nationals.

• Record:  0-0
• 4.78 ERA
• 26.1 IP
• 26 K
• 19 BB
• 1.481 WHIP
• 20 H
• 3 HR (has allowed 16 R; 14 ER)

Both pitchers haven’t had much success when it comes to pitching in the postseason.  Kershaw has the upper hand when it comes to pitching in the World Series as he did last year against the Astros in a seven-game thrill ride. Both starters have something to prove in postseason play and they will face off tomorrow night.