The left-hander struck out six and walked three on the day, while posting a 21 percent whiff rate and 28 percent CSW. Quintana has done this regularly throughout his career. He may not have overpowering stuff, but he knows how to pitch, and when his command is on, he’s going to have stretches of solid production. However, he is a really risky play next week against the Cubs.

Quintana tossed two scoreless innings, then gave up a run on a double and a base hit in the third. He settled in for three more scoreless innings, ending his day after six with three strikeouts and in line for the win. The 36-year-old southpaw now holds an unsustainable 0.96 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 9/5 K/BB ratio across 18 2/3 frames. He’ll take on the Cardinals in St. Louis on Sunday.

Quintana has quickly turned into a lifesaver for the Brewers, winning his first two starts with a 0.71 ERA. The lone damage today came on a Spencer Torkelson homer. Quintana will take his next turn in San Francisco against the Giants.