Milwaukee, WI – The Brewers entered Game 4 of the 2026 World Series with a 3‑0 series lead and a chance to clinch the championship on home turf. After a dramatic extra‑inning rally that tied the game, manager Pat Murphy faced a pivotal decision: which pitcher should close out the final three outs?
Murphy’s bullpen move
With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 12th, Murphy called on little‑used reliever Shane Drohan. Drohan had not pitched since October 15, when he surrendered a run in the NLCS, and had logged only one competitive appearance in the past month. All of Milwaukee’s primary relievers—Aaron Ashby, Trevor Megill, DL Hall, Abner Uribe and JoJo Romero—had already been exhausted.
Drohan induced a ground ball that bounced over first base for a walk‑off win by the Tampa Bay Rays, extending the series to a fifth game. The decision immediately sparked debate among Brewers supporters and baseball commentators.
What the numbers say
Murphy explained his reasoning to Outkick Sports reporter Curt Hogg, noting that rookie left‑hander Jacob Misiorowski, the likely NL Cy Young Award winner, was slated to start the next game. Murphy said he did not want to “burn” his ace in a one‑run extra‑inning situation while the team held a three‑run series advantage.
Misiorowski’s season numbers support the praise: a sub‑2.00 ERA, a WHIP under 1.00 and a strikeout rate exceeding 12 per nine innings. By contrast, Drohan’s recent work has been limited, and his last appearance featured a 5.40 ERA over two innings.
Fans and analysts weigh in
Local fans expressed frustration, arguing that the Brewers possessed arguably the best pitcher available to seal the title. “When you’re three outs away from a championship, you should trust your ace,” one Milwaukee supporter wrote on a fan forum.
Baseball analysts offered a more nuanced view. Some highlighted the strategic value of preserving Misiorowski for Game 5, especially given the physical toll of a full World Series schedule. Others pointed out that Drohan’s experience, however limited, provided a fresh arm against a lineup that had already faced the Brewers’ top relievers multiple times.
Looking ahead to Game 5
Despite the loss, the Brewers remain heavy favorites to win the series. If Misiorowski takes the mound in Game 5, his dominant repertoire could tilt the balance back in Milwaukee’s favor. However, the bullpen’s fatigue—particularly Aaron Ashby’s reduced velocity late in his outing—raises concerns about depth if the series extends to a sixth game.
Murphy summed up the situation, stating, “It’s all hands on deck. I trust our guys, and we’ll do what we believe is best for the team.” The next few days will reveal whether that confidence translates into another victory or forces the Brewers into a longer, more taxing battle.
Community reaction
Milwaukee’s passionate baseball community continues to rally behind the team, planning a downtown parade should the Brewers capture their first World Series title. Local businesses are preparing for increased foot traffic, and city officials have expressed optimism about the economic boost a championship would bring.
As the series progresses, the conversation in Milwaukee will likely focus not only on the on‑field performance but also on the strategic choices that define championship baseball.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
