Brewers bullpen leading the way in 8-game win streak

Published Apr. 26, 2018 2:39 p.m. ET

With the additions of Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich in the offseason, the strength of the Milwaukee Brewers was, without a doubt, going to be their offense in 2018.

But during their current eight-game winning streak -- the franchise’s longest since winning eight straight in 2015 -- says otherwise.

Milwaukee’s starters have been solid, but its bullpen has been downright brilliant during this stretch. The Brewers’ relievers -- led by Jeremy Jeffress, Josh Hader and Jacob Barnes -- haven’t allowed a single run since a 10-4 loss to Cincinnati on April 16.

Brewers starters vs. relievers – Last 8 Games

	Starters	Relievers
IP	45	27
ERA	2.40	0.00
BB/9	3.2	2.0
K/9	6.0	10.7
Opp. BA	.207	.126

The ‘pen has been tested all season -- an average of almost four innings of labor per game. Milwaukee’s relievers have compiled 98 1/3 innings through 25 games, the fourth-highest total in MLB. The bullpen also ranks in the league’s top five in several other categories: third in strikeouts (116) -- helped by Hader’s league-leading 31 Ks among relievers -- third in opponent batting average (.201), third in ERA (2.47) and fifth with a 1.10 WHIP.

And a reminder: all of this is happening with All-Star closer Corey Knebel on the disabled list.

Other notes:

-- Chase Anderson has a 0.73 ERA on the road this season but a 5.28 ERA at Miller Park.

-- Among pitchers to tally over 300 innings since 2016, Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks has the second-best ERA at 2.61, behind three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw.

-- Cubs closer Brandon Morrow hasn’t allowed a home run since Sept. 8, 2016 -- in other words, 224 batters.

-- Cain is one of four players in the big leagues with five stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .400 or higher.

-- Home away from home: Ryan Braun continues to rake at Wrigley Field. He owns a career .341 batting average on the road against Chicago.

Statistics courtesy STATS