Pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers, Zack Greinke became the first hurler since Red Faber of the White Sox in 1917 to pitch three consecutive games, and do so in one season rather than have the streak span two seasons.
Backstory: An unusual set of circumstances led to Greinke’s three starts in a row. His run was triggered when he was ejected after throwing just four pitches in a game with Houston on July 7.
It wasn’t a balls-and-strikes dispute that got him tossed, but his reaction after covering first base on a close play. He spiked the ball in anger after the runner was called safe. Since he was still fresh, he returned to the mound the next day but only lasted until the third inning, when he was pulled with the Brewers trailing.
Then the All-Star break intervened, so he was able to pitch again after adequate rest once the regular season restarted. He failed to factor into the decision, however, in a game against the Pirates.
On July 28, Milwaukee traded Greinke, who had a 9-3 record, to the Los Angeles Angels. He finished the season 15-5.
