Expectations are probably a little high for Zack Greinke's Brewer debut tonight, but games like the one he pitched two years ago today are the reason why. On May 4, 2009, pitching against the White Sox, Greinke threw a complete game shutout. He allowed six hits but no walks while striking out ten in the game.
Greinke's start to the 2009 season was nothing short of incredible. He pitched two shutouts in his first six starts, and a third game that would've been a shutout if not for an unearned run. This game lowered his ERA to 0.40 on the season, and the ten strikeouts actually dropped his K/9 to 10.8.
Greinke went on to post a 2.16 ERA on the season while pitching a career high 229.1 innings, striking out 242 and allowing an AL-low 0.4 home runs per nine innings. Despite pitching for the 65-97 Royals, Greinke received 25 of 28 first place votes to win the AL Cy Young Award.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2004 Brewer Ben Grieve, who turns 35.
- 1999 Brewer Robinson Cancel, who also turns 35.
- 2003 Brewer Eddie Perez, who turns 43.
- 1975 Brewer Pat Osburn, who turns 62.
- 1984 Brewer manager Rene Lachemann, who turns 66.