In a thrilling Game 5 of the NLDS, the Milwaukee Brewers' young star, Miz, delivered a remarkable performance, even though he relied on secondary pitches more than usual. With the season at stake, Miz unleashed an unexpected strategy, keeping the Chicago Cubs' batters guessing.
But here's the twist: Despite primarily using breaking balls, Miz still brought the heat! He entered the game in the second inning, firing a 101.4 mph fastball to Seiya Suzuki, but the Cubs responded with a game-tying homer. Unfazed, Miz adjusted his approach, showcasing a diverse arsenal. He threw 23 sliders and 14 curveballs, a significant deviation from his regular-season strategy where fastballs dominated.
In a typical start, Miz throws fastballs at least 46.2% of the time, but on this night, he reduced that to 31.5%. Yet, his four-seamer remained effective, inducing five of his nine whiffs and two of his three strikeouts. Miz's control was impeccable, allowing only three hits and one run in four innings without issuing a single walk.
And the velocity? It was there when he needed it. Miz unleashed 10 pitches over 100 mph, including three that reached 101 mph. This postseason, he has consistently touched these speeds, ranking fourth in the league since pitch tracking began in 2008, only behind Aroldis Chapman, Brusdar Graterol, and Jhoan Duran in total 101+ mph pitches.
A controversial question arises: Was this a calculated risk that paid off, or a lucky break for Miz? Did the Cubs' batters simply fail to adjust, or did Miz's secondary pitches truly dominate? The strategy might spark debate among baseball enthusiasts, but one thing is certain: Miz's performance was a key factor in the Brewers' victory, showcasing his adaptability and talent.
