Since he took over as interim manager two weeks ago, Brewers interim manager Dale Sveum has called CC Sabathia the team's horse.
On Sunday, the Brewers rode their horse into the playoffs for the first time in 26 years.
Starting for the third time in nine days, Sabathia was once again nothing short of dominant. He pitched his 10th complete game of the season -- his seventh since joining the Brewers in July -- as the Brewers beat Chicago, 7-5, and clinched the National League wild card.
"CC has the heart of a lion," said Brewers bench coach Robin Yount. "For the last two months, he's pitched as good as anybody can pitch and he's a huge reason why we're where we are now."
Pitching on short rest didn't seem to bother Sabathia, who 122 pitches Sunday. He allowed just one unearned run on four hits and a walk and struck out seven Chicago batters to bring his three-game total to 21.
He got stronger as the game went on, retiring 17 of the final 20 batters. Two of the three Chicago hitters were erased with double plays and Sabathia even pitched in on defense, making a barehanded grab of Koyie Hill's chopper to end the eighth.
"That was one of the greatest performances of all time," Sveum said.
That's saying a lot, considering the performances Sabathia has put in during his short stint in Milwaukee.
Making just 17 starts, he finished with 11 victories and finished with the most complete games by a National League pitcher. Since making his Brewers debut on July 8, he leads the National League in several categories: ERA (1.65), complete games (7); shutouts (3); innings pitched (130.2) and quality starts (15).
"We're in the playoffs because of CC Sabathia," said Corey Hart. "It's that simple."
Talk about your understatements.
The Brewers are 14-3 when Sabathia starts, so it was a no-brainer when he told Sveum he wanted the ball on Sunday if the Brewers needed a victory to clinch.
He didn't disappoint.
"It was his game," Sveum said. "It was his year. It was his two months. It was his game to give his as long as he could possibly go. He was fine. He's just a special human being."
Even though they spent just two months with him, Sabathia's impact in the clubhouse has made an impression on his teammates. Sabathia's desire to pitch down the stretch, even though he is in a position to command serious money on the free agent market, solidified his reputation as a team player ... and a major reason that the Brewers will be playing in October.
"CC has been the guy that's put us over the hump," infielder Craig Counsell said. "He's been special. He's been an example for all of us. His performance has been ... it's hard to even describe how good he's been."
Brewers fans will most likely get at least one more chance to see Sabathia this season. He will probably get the start for Game 3 of the National League Division Series Saturday at Miller Park.
Games 1 and 2 will be played Wednesday and Thursday in Philadelphia. In the meantime, Sabathia will get a little extra rest.
"Now we just go out and have fun and see what happens," Sabathia said.
