Brewers' impressive bullpen was Milwaukee's true postseason MVP

For the first time in their history, the Milwaukee Brewers have won the World Series, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5.

First baseman Jake Bauers, who bounced through five different organizations before landing with the Brewers, was named the NLCS MVP with a team-high six RBI and game-changing plate appearances. Catcher William Contreras took home the honors as the World Series MVP after driving in four runs on his eight hits while throwing out four would-be base stealers.

While Bauers and Contreras, along with players such as outfielders Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich and infielder Cooper Pratt, will get most of the attention, the Brewers' true MVP was more of a collective effort. The bullpen allowed only 13 runs, 10 earned, on 39 hits and 17 walks over their 65 innings, striking out 63 batters.

Milwaukee Brewers bullpen major factor in franchise's first championship

The Brewers received several impressive individual performances from their relievers. Aaron Ashby was virtually untouchable during the playoffs, setting a postseason record with 18 consecutive scoreless innings out of the bullpen. He allowed five hits and three walks, striking out 20 batters while recording three saves. Abner Uribe was a workhorse in high-leverage situations, appearing in 11 of the Brewers 13 playoff games. Closer Trevor Megill was dominant, recording five saves while allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over his nine innings, striking out 11 batters.

It typically takes a true team effort to win a championship. The Brewers' first World Series title was exactly that, as their bullpen was the difference-maker in bringing a championship to Milwaukee.