MILWAUKEE – The crux of Pat Murphy’s explanation for why Christian Yelich batted leadoff before Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Thursday was simple.

“He hits more today.”

Every decision is put under a microscope in the postseason, but there’s something to be said about tangoing with the person who took you to the dance, and Yelich has done the eight count better than just about anyone for the Brewers this year.

Yelich’s .795 OPS was the best among players who spent the whole year with the team (Andrew Vaughn had an .868 OPS after being acquired in June). And Yelich has by far the most playoff experience for this young club, the lone position player who has been part of this run of seven postseason berths in eight years.

There hasn’t been much October success to speak

See Full Page