SEATTLE — Seattle U baseball alum Eric Yardley is set to make program history as he and the Milwaukee Brewers are scheduled to appear in the 2020 edition of Major League Baseball postseason.
Yardley, who was a 2013 graduate and member of the program's rebirth in 2010, is primed to make his postseason debut and in doing so, would become the program's first former player to appear in the MLB playoffs. The legendary Johnny O'Brien came close to appearing in the 1959 World Series as a member of the Milwaukee Braves, but came up short thanks in part ot the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"Eric has had a heck of season and I'm really happy that he and the Brewers were able to make it to the postseason," said Seattle U head baseball coach Donny Harrel. "I know this a special moment for him, particularly after the long journey he's been on to get to this point."
In a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brewers secured a spot in MLB Wild Card Series and are the eight-seed in the National League, after posting a 29-31 record. They are slated for a best-of-three game series in Los Angeles, as they face the top-seed Los Angeles Dodgers.
Game 1: Sept. 30 / 7:08 pm PT — ESPN
Game 2: Oct. 1 / TBD — Check local listings
Game 3*: Oct. 2 / TBD — Check local listings
* - If necessary
In his first year with Milwaukee, Yardley, who a middle reliever, made 24 appearances and recorded a 2-0 record during the regular season. He also tossed 19 strikeouts in 23.1 innings, while his 1.54 earned run average was ninth-best among National League rookies and 20th-overall among all rookies in the Majors. The former Redhawk made his MLB debut last season as member of the San Diego Padres and went on to appear in a total of 10 games during the 2019 season.
"I wish him the very best and will be definitely be cheering for him, although I will be a bit torn since the Dodgers have been my favorite team for a while," Harrel said with a smile.
Make that three years in a row - a franchise record. The journey continues on Wednesday. #MKEHistory pic.twitter.com/uI7ywJqeOG
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 27, 2020