The Greinke We've Been Waiting For

Zack Greinke turned in a strong performance last night vs the Rays, pitching seven innings and allowing one run on four hits with ten strikeouts. He now has 80 strikeouts this season vs nine walks, good for a whopping 8.89 K/BB ratio. To put that stat in perspective, Shaun Marcum, known for his control and low walk rate, has a 3.5 K/BB ratio. Greinke also sports an equally impressive 11.98 K per nine innings pitched (K/9) this season, which, if it holds, will beat the franchise record set by Ben Sheets in 2004 of 10.025 (thanks to the Brewers Bar).

If they hadn't already, Brewers fans now have an idea of just how well Greinke can pitch. He kept the Rays guessing all night, racking up the Ks both swinging and looking by commanding his fastball, changeup, and slider with authority. He didn't disappoint at the plate, either, flying out to centerfield and lining a base hit to right. In short, last night was the Zack Greinke show, with supporting roles by Ryan Braun (1-3, 2 RBI, BB), Prince Fielder (1-2, RBI, 2 BB), and Jonathan Lucroy (3-4, R, while enduring a rough night behind the dish, including a pretty nasty ball to the crotch).

The Brewers look for a series win today at 1:10, as Shaun Marcum takes the mound vs Rays ace David Price.