The Rookie vs. The Legend
You couldn’t script it better: future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw on the mound for the Dodgers, and Milwaukee handing the ball to their rookie fireballer, Misiorowski. It was youth versus experience, and this time, youth won — convincingly.
After giving up a leadoff bomb to none other than Shohei Ohtani — on just his third pitch of the game — Misiorowski clamped down and absolutely owned the rest of the night. The rookie right-hander struck out a career-high 12 batters in just six innings, including a streak of five straight at one point. He hit 100 mph 22 times. That’s not just electric — that’s straight-up nuclear stuff.
Talk about bouncing back. Misiorowski had struggled in his previous start against the Mets, lasting just 3 ⅔ innings in a frustrating outing. But against this powerful Dodgers lineup? He was dialed in like a seasoned vet.
💥 How It All Went Down
Let’s rewind to that first inning. Ohtani launched a 432-foot moonshot to straightaway center, turning a hanging curveball into his ninth leadoff homer of the season and the 21st of his career. It was a “whoops” moment for Misiorowski, but that was it. He responded with ice in his veins, striking out Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Andy Pages to slam the door on any early Dodgers momentum.
By the time the dust settled on his 91-pitch outing — another career high — Misiorowski had allowed just four hits, one run, one walk, and set down a dozen Dodgers via strikeout. It was the most strikeouts by a Brewers pitcher since Aaron Ashby whiffed 12 back in May 2022.
And let’s talk defense for a sec. When Ohtani walked and Betts dropped a bloop single into no-man’s land in the third, it looked like trouble was brewing. But Andrew Vaughn and Andruw Monasterio had other plans. Vaughn snagged a laser down the line for a crucial out at first, and Monasterio made a ridiculous backhand stab at third before firing a perfect strike home to nail Ohtani at the plate. It was Brewers baseball at its finest — gritty, smart, and clutch.
🔥 Fourth Inning Fireworks
On the offensive side, Milwaukee made their move in the fourth. Kershaw was cruising until William Contreras and Jackson Chourio jump-started a rally with back-to-back singles. Andrew Vaughn and Isaac Collins followed with RBI hits, putting the Brewers ahead 2-1. Five singles in six at-bats gave the crew a nice cushion, and while Vaughn was thrown out trying to stretch it to third, the damage was done.
Meanwhile, Misiorowski was locked in. After giving up a double to Miguel Rojas in the third, he retired the next batters with a mix of sizzling fastballs and nasty off-speed pitches. He struck out Michael Conforto and Hyeseong Kim twice each — those were no cheap Ks.
By the end of the fourth, Misiorowski had racked up 10 strikeouts through just 63 pitches. Yeah, that’s elite.
💣 Frelick Adds the Icing
Sal Frelick wasn’t about to let the pitching staff have all the fun. In the bottom of the eighth, with the Brewers clinging to a 2-1 lead, Frelick jumped all over an 85 mph splitter from Kirby Yates and sent it sailing over the right-center field wall. That insurance run — and the roar from the 38,175 fans in attendance — gave Milwaukee the breathing room it needed.
Frelick rounded the bases with a fist pump and a grin, knowing full well that bomb could be the difference-maker.
🔒 Lockdown Bullpen Closes the Door
And then came the bullpen. Jared Koenig handled the seventh with poise, and Abner Uribe took the eighth, both delivering clean, scoreless frames to maintain the lead. No drama. No sweat.
It was a total team effort — offense, defense, starting pitching, bullpen — all clicking in sync for a marquee win over a powerhouse squad.
Meanwhile, Kershaw — ever the professional — finished his night with six hits, two earned runs, and three strikeouts over 85 pitches. A solid outing, but he was outdueled.
🧢 Tip of the Cap to “The Miz”
Let’s not downplay it: this wasn’t just another game. This was Misiorowski making a statement. He didn’t just pitch well — he owned the moment. Striking out Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman in succession is the kind of stuff you dream about when you're climbing the minor league ranks.
And now? He’s 4-1 with growing confidence and command. With outings like this, don’t be surprised if we start hearing his name in Rookie of the Year talks real soon.
🔜 What’s Next for the Brew Crew?
Milwaukee’s got a packed week ahead, starting with the series finale against the Dodgers on July 9 at 1:10 p.m. Lefty José Quintana (6-3, 3.44 ERA) gets the ball for the Brewers against LA’s Dustin May (5-5, 4.52 ERA).
Then it’s a quick breather with an off day on July 10 before the Nationals come to town:
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July 11 (7:10 p.m.): Quinn Priester vs. TBD
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July 12 (3:10 p.m.): Brandon Woodruff vs. TBD
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July 13 (1:10 p.m.): Freddy Peralta vs. TBD
Every game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin and on radio via AM-620 WTMJ.
📺 In Case You’re Watching from Home
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Time: 6:40 p.m. CT (usual evening games)
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TV Channels: FanDuel Sports Wisconsin and TBS
🧢 Brewers Starting Lineup (July 8)
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RF: Sal Frelick
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C: William Contreras
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CF: Jackson Chourio
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DH: Christian Yelich
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1B: Andrew Vaughn
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LF: Isaac Collins
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2B: Brice Turang
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3B: Andruw Monasterio
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SS: Joey Ortiz
💪 Dodgers Starting Lineup
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DH: Shohei Ohtani
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SS: Mookie Betts
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1B: Freddie Freeman
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RF: Andy Pages
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LF: Michael Conforto
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2B: Hyeseong Kim
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C: Dalton Rushing
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CF: James Outman
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3B: Miguel Rojas
Final Thought: The Night “The Miz” Stole the Show
Forget the nerves. Forget the leadoff homer. Jacob Misiorowski made a bold statement Tuesday night: He’s here, and he’s ready to dominate.
Whether you’re a diehard Brewers fan or just a baseball lover craving the next big thing — keep an eye on this kid. If this game is any indication, the future in Milwaukee is looking scorching hot.
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