Historic MLB start coming easy 'so far' for top Mariners prospect
Seattle Mariners' top pitching prospect Bryce Miller has dazzled in his first three Major League starts, posting historic numbers not seen in over a century. However, the most impressive part of Miller's start is the ease with which he's done it.
"It's been a lot of fun so far," Miller told Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. "You know, gone out, throwing it over the plate, and things have gone my way."
When Jude followed up, asking if it was that easy for Miller, the Mariners' right-hander responded with a grin, "So far, we'll see if it keeps up."
Miller had another outstanding outing on Saturday, pitching seven scoreless innings in a 5-0 win over the Detroit Tigers. After striking out 15 batters through his first two starts, Miller posted only three Ks against the Tigers, proving he can still baffle hitters without the punch-out pitch.
Through 19 innings pitched over three appearances, Miller has been nearly perfect, allowing just one run, seven hits and a walk with 18 strikeouts.
While it's a small sample size, Miller's start is remarkably unique. The 24-year-old right-hander has recorded three straight starts pitching six or more innings while allowing three base runners or fewer. According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Miller's stretch is tied for the longest by a pitcher -- at any point in a career -- since at least 1901.
It's too early to crown Miller as the next up-and-coming ace, but the former fourth-round pick may well be on his way following an insanely hot start.
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