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Brewers Clinch Playoff Berth in Most Unlikely Way Possible

The Milwaukee Brewers turned to a surprising pitcher to punch their postseason ticket Friday night against the Miami Marlins.

Frankie Taddeo

Brewers Clinch Playoff Berth in Most Unlikely Way Possible
Brewers Clinch Playoff Berth in Most Unlikely Way Possible /
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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. 

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.

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Frankie Taddeo
FRANKIE TADDEO

Frankie Taddeo is a successful high-stakes fantasy football player who created the first-ever DFS program offered in a Las Vegas sportsbook. Besides contributing NFL fantasy analysis with a Vegas slant, Frankie primarily performs as Sports Illustrated's Senior Betting Analyst providing his significant experience and resources in the sports betting scene. 

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