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Jungmann shows ability, poise beyond years

Rookie works through tough spots against Mets

MILWAUKEE -- Taylor Jungmann's fourth career start on Thursday in a 2-0 loss to the Mets wasn't his best outing in a Brewers uniform, but it might've been one of his most impressive.

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The rookie right-hander had to battle his way through five hard-fought innings and escape a couple of early jams to keep the Brewers in the game. Overall, Jungmann scattered four hits and two walks and didn't allow a run on 91 pitches.

Video: NYM@MIL: Jungmann on his performance versus Mets

Although Milwaukee couldn't manage to score against the electric Jacob deGrom, Brewers manager Craig Counsell had plenty of praise for his young hurler.

"I thought he was good," Counsell said. "He had to work hard, especially in the first four innings. He made a good pitch to [Lucas] Duda when he had to, and he made a good pitch to [Michael] Cuddyer when he had to."

Thursday's start lowered Jungmann's ERA to 2.74 through his first four outings, with 19 strikeouts and six walks in 23 innings. He's yet to experience a poor start and has kept the Brewers in striking distance or better in each game.

Video: NYM@MIL: Counsell on Jungmann, loss to Mets

"I've battled through some outings," Jungmann said afterward. "A couple of outings I haven't had my best stuff, but I think that's what the game is about, battling. Competing is what I love to do."

Jungmann, the 12th overall pick by the Brewers in 2011, spent four years in the Minor Leagues before making his Major League debut on June 9. The seasoning gained during that time has allowed the 25-year-old to succeed early with Milwaukee, according to Counsell.

"I think it's one of the things that's going to make him successful," Counsell said. "He's not fazed by anything. He has a lot of composure and he trusts what he does."

From here on out, Jungmann is looking to prove he belongs.

"You should try to prove yourself every outing," Jungmann said. "I think everybody should have that feeling. I think I've had that mindset the whole time. You're always trying to prove what you can do."

Brandon Curry is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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