The Milwaukee Brewers have had their trouble on the road this season (7-15 record), particularly the offense which averages only three runs a game away from Miller Park.
Most of the Brewers pitchers are struggling with the apparent lack of run support, but not Shaun Marcum.
In his last five starts on the road, Marcum has given up only two earned runs in 34 innings for an ERA of 0.53.
By: Nick Grays
Marcum has undoubtedly been the Brewers best pitcher as he leads the team in wins (5), ERA (2.54) and strikeouts (54). More importantly, he has been the most consistent and it’s because of his go-to pitch, the change-up.
“It’s a strikeout pitch, it’s a strike when he needs to. He can get it up a little bit, and he can really change speeds on it. He can throw one 72 and he can throw one 80. It’s really two different pitches. It’s almost like Greinke’s curveball: He’s got the one that’s 77 and the one he flips up at 66 and really, they’re two different pitches,” said Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke following the Brewers 2-1 win over the Dodgers on Monday.
While Roenicke also notices the solid play from Marcum on the road, he thinks the pitcher has been great everywhere including at home.
“I think he’s been great everywhere. He had the one bad inning his last outing. Besides that he’s been outstanding no matter where it is. You know, nothing affects the guy. A tough lineup doesn’t bother him, a good hitting ballpark doesn’t bother him, he just understands how to get out good hitters, no matter what the circumstance is,” said Roenicke.
One of Marcum’s keys to success has been limiting the walks, something he’s done a pretty good job of in his career. Since walking a season-high five batters in Cincinnati on April 2nd, Marcum has yielded less than two walks in his next nine starts. Over his five year career, Marcum has averaged a low 1.5 walks per game in 129 appearances to the mound.
Unfortunately, Marcum’s next start is scheduled for Saturday, May 21st and will be at home against the Colorado Rockies. Of course, I’m joking, as Marcum looks to make his first career start against the Rockies.
What do you think of Marcum’s impressive play on the road? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.