Misiorowski sets Brewers franchise record with seven consecutive strikeouts
Jacob Misiorowski, a second-year starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, delivered a dominant performance on July 26, setting a franchise record for consecutive strikeouts to begin a game. His outing was part of the Brewers’ 11-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
Misiorowski’s early control was notable, with 13 pitches exceeding 100 mph in the first inning alone. He struck out 12 of the first 14 batters he faced, with 11 of those strikeouts occurring within the first four innings. The pitcher’s performance included striking out seven batters in a row to start the game, a streak that was broken when Troy Johnston flew out to center field.
Record-setting start
The right-hander’s seven consecutive strikeouts at the start of the game established a new franchise record for the Brewers. His early dominance also saw him tie a major-league record for most strikeouts through four innings with 11, achieved by blowing away Hunter Goodman with velocity for the second time.
According to reports, this marked the first time since 1969 that a pitcher recorded 11 strikeouts without allowing a hit in the first four innings of a game. Misiorowski’s fastball was particularly effective, generating 17 whiffs on 30 swings against it, averaging over 103 mph. Only six of his fastballs were fouled off after Jake McCarthy‘s nine-pitch at-bat to open the game.
Misiorowski maintained a perfect game into the fifth inning. After securing two outs, including another strikeout, Cole Carrigg of the Rockies hit a home run to left field. This play put the Rockies on the scoreboard and ended Misiorowski’s bid for perfection.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy commented on Misiorowski’s readiness, stating, “I think it was just ‘Miz is ready.'” Murphy also emphasized the importance of monitoring Misiorowski’s workload, especially given the team’s strategic approach to pitching.
Season performance and future outlook
Misiorowski was eventually pulled from the game after 83 pitches through five innings. He finished his outing with 1 hit, 1 earned run, and 12 strikeouts, earning his 11th win of the season. Chad Patrick took over from the bullpen.
This season, Misiorowski has started 20 games, accumulating an 11-4 record with a 1.58 ERA, which currently leads MLB. He previously set an MLB record for the fastest pitch by a starting pitcher at 105.5 mph and recorded the most 100+ mph pitches in a single game with 57 against the St. Louis Cardinals in May.
The 24-year-old is considered a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award if he maintains his current level of performance throughout the season. His ability to sustain velocity was evident in this game, averaging 103.2 mph in the second inning, 102.8 mph in the third, and 102.6 mph in the fourth, before a 30-pitch fifth inning.
Misiorowski indicated he felt better during his weekly throwing program, noting that his legs felt stronger and the ball came out with more conviction. This led the Brewers to keep him on regular rest. He feels fresher than he did at this point last year when he struggled after the All-Star break.
The Brewers are currently seven games ahead in their division, having recently completed a 7-2 homestand. The team is closely monitoring Misiorowski’s workload, as he is 21 innings shy of his career-high of 120 innings this year. The team’s strategy also involves managing other pitchers, including Kyle Harrison, who is expected to make a rehab start next week with Class High-A Wisconsin.
Murphy highlighted the team’s efforts to manage their pitching staff, stating, “We’re working on three weeks with four innings of Miz and no innings of Harrison and no innings of Woody. We’re trying to maintain with a decimated staff.” The Brewers’ comfortable position as July concludes underscores the importance of keeping Misiorowski fresh for a potential deep playoff run.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
