Misiorowski K’s 12, Brewers Beat Dodgers Despite Ohtani Homer, Outduels Kershaw

Jacob Misiorowski encountered what could be considered his most challenging examination to date during his impressive inaugural season on Tuesday, facing the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He succeeded remarkably, achieving high marks.

Misiorowski conceded an initial home run to Shohei Ohtani with the game’s third delivery. Subsequently, he achieved 12 strikeouts and prevented further runs, contributing significantly to the Brewers’ 3-1 victory.

It culminated in yet another notable performance from the powerful right-handed pitcher, who surpassed Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw to secure the win.

Los Angeles hitters collectively recorded a season-high of 15 strikeouts during the game, as the Dodgers experienced their fifth consecutive defeat and their second against the Brewers. Nevertheless, they maintain command of the NL West with a 56-37 record. The Brewers improved to 52-40, narrowing the gap to three games behind the leading Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.

Misiorowski fired up for final out of his night

Misiorowski demonstrated his velocity with 21 fastballs exceeding 100 mph as registered by the radar. He complemented this with a sweeping slider and a sharp-breaking curveball that consistently perplexed the Dodgers’ batters.

During his sole moment of difficulty during the night, he received assistance from an exceptional Brewers defense and released an enthusiastic fist pump upon the inning’s conclusion.

“I experienced disbelief at successfully escaping the inning,” Misiorowski shared with TBS following the game. “Facing the Dodgers induces a surge of emotions upon finally realizing a long-held aspiration.”

Ohtani HR doesn’t spell doom for Misiorowski

Misiorowski’s evening began unfavorably. He initially positioned Ohtani in an 0-2 count to initiate the game. However, he delivered a third-pitch curveball that lingered over the inner portion of the plate, which Ohtani propelled over the centerfield boundary for his league-leading 31st home run of the season.

It suggested a potentially daunting welcome-to-the-big leagues moment from the three-time MVP during Misiorowski’s fifth MLB start. Yet, Misiorowski maintained composure.

Misiorowski’s sensational stuff

The 23-year-old then proceeded to strike out 10 of the subsequent 13 batters encountered, without issuing a walk. He nearly achieved an immaculate inning during the second, striking out Michael Conforto and Hyeseong Kim in six pitches.

He ultimately permitted a single to Dalton Rushing but concluded the inning without conceding any runs, courtesy of a strikeout against James Outman.

His second confrontation with the Dodgers’ batting order proved more successful than his initial one. He struck out Ohtani with a 2-2 curveball during the third inning before concluding the inning with a swinging strike three against Freddie Freeman, maintaining the Brewers’ deficit at 1-0.

He registered two further strikeouts during the fourth before the Brewers’ batters eventually capitalized against Kershaw, scoring two runs in the bottom of the inning to establish a 2-1 Milwaukee advantage.

Misiorowski contributed two additional strikeouts during the fifth inning, including a four-pitch sequence that resulted in Outman swinging at a 99 mph fastball located on the outer edge of the plate.

During the sixth inning, Misiorowski encountered his first instance of difficulty. He swiftly navigated it with assistance.

Brewers defense steps up to preserve lead

Misiorowski issued a leadoff walk to Ohtani on a full count, then conceded an infield hit to Mookie Betts. A groundout by Freddie Freeman advanced the runners to second and third with one out.

Andy Pages subsequently hit a ground ball to third base, prompting Ohtani to attempt a run toward home. Third baseman Andruw Monasterio executed an intelligent play, throwing to home, preventing Ohtani from scoring. He was tagged out, marking the second out of the inning, due to a precisely aimed throw.

A groundout to first base by Conforto concluded the inning, marking the conclusion of Misiorowski’s performance.

In conclusion, he surrendered four hits, including the home run to Ohtani, while issuing a single walk. His 12 strikeouts represented a career-best performance during his second of five MLB starts, extending to six innings. He delivered 68 of his 91 pitches for strikes.

The outing reduced his ERA from 3.20 to 2.81. Furthermore, he secured a victory against Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer, who had recently achieved the 3,000th strikeout of his career.

In a rookie season already highlighted by several outstanding efforts, Tuesday’s performance against the Dodgers may stand as Misiorowski’s most impressive to date.