The Milwaukee Brewers clinched a 2023 MLB playoff berth in one of the oddest ways conceivable Friday night.
Thanks to a 16-1 lead against the Miami Marlins entering the ninth inning, the Brewers turned to first baseman Rowdy Tellez to record the final three outs of the game.
The 28-year-old veteran recorded his first career strikeout during his first major league pitching appearance and now sports a perfect 0.00 ERA. Tellez is the only position player to pitch the final inning of a game in which his team clinched a postseason berth in the past 120 years, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
With the win, Milwaukee secured a spot in the postseason for the fifth time in six seasons. The club’s magic number to win the NL Central division title has been trimmed to one. One Brewers victory or a Cubs loss will award the Brewers the division crown.
First Major League strikeout ✅
0.00 ERA ✅
Clinched a #postseason spot ✅Rowdy Tellez is living the dream. pic.twitter.com/s2I1YUzYCH
— MLB (@MLB) September 23, 2023
Tellez caught the attention of Rob Friedman, who runs the popular “Pitching Ninja” account on X, who lauded the effort as “Filth.” Meanwhile, fans on social also loved the rare occurrence of a position player pitching the final inning clinching game.
Rowdy Tellez, Filth.
The Brewers pitching depth is insane. pic.twitter.com/CGE43J6Xo4
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 23, 2023
This is freakin perfect! Clinch a playoff berth, while a position player is pitching to close the game🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/1T367yc2xf
— ktgiu22 (@ktgiu22) September 23, 2023
Rowdy you sweet, sweet man. 💙💛 https://t.co/AtfxTqdaix
— Shaun Ranft 🏳️🌈 (@sa_ranft) September 23, 2023
The Brewers just clinched a playoff spot with…Rowdy Tellez on the mound? pic.twitter.com/IrvXorkiK7
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) September 23, 2023
Cy Young Rowdy Tellez 😂pic.twitter.com/z161TuWTLE
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) September 23, 2023
oh my goodness rowdy tellez is on the mound pic.twitter.com/Nf4qC5caNP
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) September 23, 2023
Rowdy Tellez needed eleven pitches with a strikeout to throw a scoreless inning lol pic.twitter.com/8CQxvscjRv
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 23, 2023
