The hidden X-factor in Brewers' current win streak

The Milwaukee Brewers have been on an absolute tear lately, breaking records left and right and growing their lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. There are countless reasons for the Brewers’ recent success, from the power of friendship to pocket pancakes to Uecker Magic to the fact that the team is just playing really solid, clean baseball right now, making no mistakes and taking advantage of other teams' errors.

While some might mention the offense, and rightfully so, it should not get lost in the shuffle what the pitching staff has done over the last two weeks to keep the winning streak alive. That might make fans immediately think of Freddy Peralta's gutsy performances or the spark that Brandon Woodruff has provided this team over the last few weeks or Trevor Megill locking down games in the ninth, but there's another, often forgotten part of the pitching staff that has been exceptional during the Brewers' current winning streak.

Brewers' set-up men Jared Koenig and Abner Uribe have yet to surrender a run during the team's current winning streak

In last night's game, after Jacob Misiorowski struggled in his return to big league action and DL Hall was asked to calm things down, the Brewers turned to their bullpen for the final five frames. Using five different relievers, the Brewers bullpen didn't just hold the Cincinnati Reds scoreless; they didn't even surrender a single base runner. That's right, the Brewers closed out their 10-8 win with five perfect innings of relief.

That dominance is nothing new for the Brewers' bullpen, who has been an integral part of the team's current winning streak, but two names stick out among the rest in regard to their performance over the last two weeks: Jared Koenig and Abner Uribe.

In close games, which have been few and far between for the surging Brewers as of late, Pat Murphy generally calls upon either Koenig or Uribe to cover the penultimate frame, often determined by the handedness of the opposing batters due up. However, during the team's current winning streak, it hasn't mattered which one of Koenig or Uribe Murphy calls upon; both have been flawless in August.

In close games, which have been few and far between for the surging Brewers as of late, Pat Murphy generally calls upon either Koenig or Uribe to cover the penultimate frame, often determined by the handedness of the opposing batters due up. However, during the team's current winning streak, it hasn't mattered which one of Koenig or Uribe Murphy calls upon; both have been flawless in August.

Meanwhile, Uribe has made six appearances this month and also sports a 0.00 ERA. He's allowed just two hits while collecting 10 strikeouts in six innings pitched. However, what's most encouraging for Uribe, who can get a little wild at times, is the fact that he has just two walks in August.

It's underrated having someone near the back-end of a bullpen who serves as a "second closer," shutting down the eighth inning before Megill enters for the ninth. But the fact that Murphy can have two guys he can trust in the eighth inning is a luxury not many managers have. Hopefully, over the next few weeks, trade deadline acquisition Shelby Miller finds his groove and adds his name to the list of options that Murphy can rely on for high-leverage work, but until that happens, the Brewers have two really strong set-up man options in Koenig and Uribe.