_{Miller Park is home of the Brewers}

2018 MLB biggest surprise the Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers boast the best record in the National League at 35-20. The Brewers have built a 4 ½ game lead in the NL central because of a 17-8 record so far in May. The season is still young, but these surprising Brewers are scoring runs with a balanced offensive attack and strong bullpen pitching.

Pitching

The Brewers starting pitchers may not be dominant, but they have been consistent. And with a lead they can hand the ball to the best bullpen in the NL. This is where the Brewers have excelled. The bullpen has a 2.49 ERA and 234 strikeouts in 205 2/3 innings. This dominant relief staff features Josh Hader who has 62 strikeouts in 31 innings, to go with only 10 walks and an ERA of 1.11. The remainder of the pen has excelled as well, and the Brewers now have their preferred closer back from the DL in Corey Knebel.

Hitting

The off-season acquisitions Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich have not disappointed. These two players at the top of the batting order set the table for sluggers Ryan Braun, Travis Shaw and Jesus Aguilar. Aguilar is doing a great job replacing Eric Thames at 1st base. Thames had been off to a monster year at the plate before injuring his thumb.

In conclusion

With a dominant bullpen, solid starting pitching, and an offense that can manufacture runs via base hits or the long ball - Coach Craig Counsel has team that can stay in the playoff hunt. Avoiding injuries will be the key to a deep playoff run.

_{Photo credits: @paradise-found}

_{Author: @paradise-found}
_{Editor: @bacchist}

2018 MLB biggest surprise the Milwaukee Brewers