Brewers’ Strategic Decisions Loom Ahead of Game 4 Elimination

CHICAGO, Illinois — Pat Murphy turned to Shakespeare as he addressed reporters before Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Thursday. Quoting ‘Hamlet,’ he posed a philosophical dilemma: ‘To be or not to be, that is the question.’ But for Murphy and the Milwaukee Brewers, a different dilemma awaited them later in the day.

With the Brewers facing the Chicago Cubs in a critical playoff game, the team had to balance their defensive strengths against offensive struggles. One key player, Ortiz, returned from the injured list with a diminished batting average, posting just a .482 OPS in September. His fielding was stable enough for him to maintain a starting spot, but his hitting was under scrutiny.

In a pivotal moment on Thursday, Ortiz came to the plate in the fifth inning as the tying run with no outs. Instead of allowing him to swing, the Brewers opted to keep his glove on the field, despite his offensive challenges. “We have a choice to make in the game, taking out a guy that’s one of the best defensive shortstops,” Murphy explained.

Murphy revealed that Ortiz laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance runners instead of risking a hit or double play. However, the decision had mixed results. Previous statistics indicate that sacrificing often decreases the number of runs scored in an inning, with strategies shifting when Ortiz is at bat.

As the Brewers continued to struggle with scoring, Murphy reflected on the finer points of decision-making in high-stakes situations. “In my opinion, you don’t give up an out there if it’s that type of hitter,” he said, referring to the previous night where he allowed a more reliable hitter to bat.

The inherent risk of Ortiz’s poor average presented a complicated decision for Murphy. His defensive prowess is invaluable, yet at times, his lackluster performance has limited the team’s ability to create big scoring opportunities.

As the Brewers prepare for another elimination game on Saturday, the need for decisive action looms larger. Murphy may have to weigh the defensive and offensive trade-offs more aggressively, knowing they cannot afford to play conservatively in this crucial moment.