The Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie sensation Jacob Misiorowski delivered a stunning performance on Tuesday night, leading his team to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field. This defeat marked the Dodgers’ fifth consecutive loss, a streak exacerbated by Misiorowski’s impressive display on the mound.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had a clear strategy going into the game: to stress the young pitcher by extending at-bats and driving up his pitch count. “Stress him as much as we can,” Roberts emphasized before the game. However, the plan fell short as Misiorowski, in only his fifth MLB start, struck out 12 Dodgers batters, showcasing his prowess and control.
Misiorowski’s Meteoric Rise
Jacob Misiorowski, a 23-year-old right-hander, has quickly become a key player for the Brewers. Drafted in the second round from junior college, he made headlines with a no-hit debut last month. His performance against the Dodgers further cemented his reputation, with all 12 strikeouts occurring in the first five innings, tying a record for the most strikeouts by any MLB pitcher in the first five innings of a game since 2008.
“That was super impressive,” said Dodgers veteran Clayton Kershaw. “That was unbelievable.”
Misiorowski’s arsenal includes a blazing fastball, clocking in at over 100 mph, and a sharp curveball, both of which kept the Dodgers’ hitters off balance throughout the game. His command and control were particularly noteworthy, as highlighted by Shohei Ohtani, who acknowledged Misiorowski’s aggressive approach in the strike zone.
Dodgers’ Struggles Continue
The Dodgers’ lineup, which included stars like Ohtani and Mookie Betts, struggled to find their rhythm against Misiorowski. Ohtani managed to hit his 31st home run of the season in the first inning, but the Dodgers could not capitalize on this early momentum. The team struck out 12 times and failed to score beyond Ohtani’s solo shot.
In the sixth inning, the Dodgers had a chance to turn the game around with runners on second and third and only one out. However, Ohtani was tagged out at home plate, ending the inning and the Dodgers’ hopes of a comeback. “It’s hard to kind of find the silver lining when a guy strikes out 12 guys,” Roberts admitted, reflecting on the missed opportunity.
Brewers’ Bullpen Seals the Deal
After Misiorowski’s departure, the Brewers’ bullpen took over, retiring all nine batters they faced. Sal Frelick added an insurance run in the eighth inning with a home run off Dodgers reliever Kirby Yates, further solidifying the Brewers’ lead.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers were missing several key players, including Teoscar Hernández, Tommy Edman, and Max Muncy, due to injuries. Additionally, catcher Will Smith was given a scheduled day off, leaving the lineup shorthanded against a formidable Brewers team.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers now face the challenge of overcoming their longest losing streak of the season. Despite the setback, Kershaw managed to deliver a solid performance, allowing only two runs over six innings. “I felt better for sure,” Kershaw said, noting improvements in his pitch control and mix.
“I don’t think we saw a fastball under 98 today as a team,” Kershaw remarked, acknowledging the difficulty of facing Misiorowski’s high-velocity pitches.
As the Dodgers regroup, they will need to address their offensive struggles and find ways to generate runs against tough pitching. The team remains optimistic about turning their season around, with key players expected to return from injury soon.
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