MILWAUKEE — As the Colorado Rockies head home in a big hole, there’s one positive for them.
If things keep going this way, they won’t have to see Mike Moustakas for much longer.
Moustakas did what he always does in October, coming up with a clutch RBI single for the second night in a row Friday to give the Milwaukee Brewers a 4-0 win and a commanding 2-0 lead in the NL Division Series. Win in Denver either Sunday or Monday, and the team that this time last week was just hoping to force a tiebreaker for the NL Central will be playing for the pennant.
Which is exactly what the Brewers hoped when they got Moustakas right before the trade deadline.
Oh sure, they needed help in the infield and Moustakas is as reliable as they come at third base. But his playoff experience couldn’t be overlooked for a young team that was hoping to make the postseason for the first time in seven years.
It’s not a stretch to say Moustakas is the reason the Kansas City Royals reached the World Series in 2014. He hit four homers in the ALDS and ALCS that year, and had five RBI. He drove in another pair of runs in the World Series, as the Royals fell to the San Francisco Giants.
When the Royals won the World Series in 2015, Moustakas drove in three runs.
Three years later, he still hasn’t lost the touch.
On Thursday night, he delivered a walkoff RBI single in the 10th inning. His big hit Friday wasn't quite as dramatic, but it was no less important.
The Brewers came into the eighth inning clinging to a 1-0 lead and looking for something – anything – to get their sketchy offense on track. Christian Yelich – did you even need to ask? – got it started with a leadoff walk. Ryan Braun followed with a single to right, and Jesus Aguilar walked to load the bases.
That brought Moustakas, who was greeted by Milwaukee fans with a loud cheer of “MOOOOOSE!” as he came to the plate.
He didn’t disappoint, sending the fourth pitch from Harrison Musgrave to right field, scoring Yelich and giving the Brewers some breathing room. Two batters later, journeyman catcher Erik Kratz hit a two-run single to finish the Rockies off – for the day and maybe the series.
If that’s the case, the Rockies will have regrets. But not having to see Moustakas again won’t be one of them.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on Twitter @nrarmour
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