The Brewers needed Aaron Ashby. And Aaron Ashby needed that outing.

San Diego saw a dramatic turnaround in the NBA playoffs as Aaron Ashby stepped up to the plate and delivered a stellar performance, making it clear that he was the Brewers' second-most valuable player. Ashby's three high-leverage outings in the divisional round showcased his dominance, striking out five batters in Game 1, preserving a scoreless inning in Game 2, and sealing the Game 4 clincher with three immaculate innings.

Ashby's changeup was particularly effective, with 34% of his pitches coming from that pitch and 13 times it was thrown in 38 total pitches, his second-highest of any game this year. The pitcher and catcher, William Contreras, demonstrated a solid understanding of Ashby's stuff, trusting his changeup and making crucial adjustments, leading to whiffs and strikeouts.

Ashby's ability to perform under pressure and lock in with his team was evident, with two at-bats in particular highlighting his confidence and precision. The pitcher looked nothing like his previous struggles, instead displaying a newfound reliability, which proved invaluable as the Brewers advanced to the National League Championship Series. Ashby's performance was a testament to his skill and the strong partnership he shared with Contreras, making this outing a memorable one for the Brewers and a cause for celebration.