Aaron Ashby makes MLB history in heroic NLCS performance

Jake Bauers was deservingly named the MVP of the Milwaukee Brewers' 2026 NLCS sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bauers' multiple series-changing at-bats and huge seventh-inning, go-ahead homer in Game 3 were integral to the Brewers winning their first pennant since 1982. However, Aaron Ashby, who some thought might win the NLCS MVP honor, put together quite the series resume as well. The southpaw covered the most innings on the pitching staff at 6.2, allowed just three base runners, no earned runs, and picked up a pair of saves.

Ashby covered multiple innings in each of his three appearances throughout the series, including four scoreless 1-2-3 innings. His composure under pressure was especially evident in Game 4, when he masterfully navigated a pair of jams as he left the tying run stranded at third base in consecutive innings despite there being just one out when the opposing player reached third.

Furthermore, Ashby made MLB history by becoming the first player since former Brewer Lance McCullers Jr. in 2017 to record a save spanning three or more innings during a clinching game. Madison Bumgarner, who had an amazing five-inning save during Game 7 of the 2014 World Series, is the only other pitcher to accomplish the feat since the year 2000, as seen in the graphic below.

Aaron Ashby's incredible 2026 run is continuing throughout the post season

Throughout the 2026 playoffs, Ashby has appeared in six out of the Brewers' eight games. His 12.1 innings pitched is the most on the team, and he's reached that mark without allowing an earned run. He currently holds a 0.57 WHIP and .105 batting average against in the postseason.

While his historic three-inning save from Game 4 of the NLCS was truly a remarkable performance, especially given his usage, it also wasn't the first time Ashby has covered three innings this postseason. In Game 4 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, Ashby followed Robert Gasser and covered three innings, before handing the ball off to Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill to close things out.

Interestingly, while Ashby is a former starting pitcher, before this postseason the last time he threw three innings or more during a MLB game was back in August of 2025. This year, he settled in nicely to a one- or two-inning relief role, allowing him to be used more frequently during the regular season -- his 75 games pitched this year were the most on the team, yet he didn't miss a beat by owning a 3.12 ERA.

With at least four more games remaining in the 2026 postseason, expect Ashby to remain a regular presence on the mound throughout the World Series. A full week of rest should also work in his favor, giving him time to recover before the Brewers aim to claim their first championship in franchise history.

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