Young Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski didn’t just secure a 6-0 victory over the New York Yankees on Friday night; he redefined dominance against one of Major League Baseball’s top offenses. The 24-year-old, often referred to as “Miz,” is already celebrated for his powerful fastball, but his performance against the Yankees showcased a level of prowess that was both unexpected and extraordinary.
Known for his blistering four-seam fastball, which was averaging 99.3 mph and placed him in the upper echelon of MLB pitchers, Misiorowski elevated his game even further. Facing the Yankees in the series opener at Milwaukee, he tapped into an unprecedented velocity, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.
Misiorowski’s introduction to the Yankees lineup was nothing short of spectacular, delivering one of the most formidable first innings ever witnessed. This kind of speed is typically reserved for the likes of Mason Miller or, historically, Jordan Hicks. Yet Misiorowski, unlike the short-burst relievers known for such velocity, is a starting pitcher who defies conventional expectations.
It’s worth emphasizing the historical significance of his performance: the six fastest pitches in the era of velocity measurement, thrown by a starting pitcher, were all delivered by Misiorowski during this game. Given the sport’s historical velocity trends, it’s reasonable to assert that Misiorowski’s performance on May 8 showcased the fastest pitches ever recorded by a starter.
Throughout the game, all 62 of the fastest pitches came off Misiorowski’s arm. His 57 fastballs delivered to the Yankees averaged an astounding 101.1 mph, with his 94th pitch of the night peaking at 102.7 mph. This remarkable display of speed and endurance not only secured a win for the Brewers but also etched Misiorowski’s name into the annals of baseball history.
In all, the 62 fastest pitches thrown in this game belonged to Misiorowski. The 57 fastballs he threw to the Yankees averaged 101.1 mph. His 94th and penultimate pitch of the night checked in at 102.7 mph
Against that mighty fastball, the Yankees whiffed 11 times and watched another 13 land for called strikes. That all set up Misiorowski’s gem of a night:
Of his 95 pitches, 66 went for strikes, and he earned 16 whiffs on 46 swings. With the sparkling effort, Misirowski lowered his ERA for the season to 2.45 with 70 strikeouts and 17 walks in 44 innings.
The win pushed Misirowski’s Brewers to 20-16 on the season, and they’ve won seven of their last 10. While Milwaukee is presently in playoff position, they have definite designs on catching the Chicago Cubs and winning the National League Central title for a fourth straight year.
Given the offseason trade of Freddy Peralta and the shoulder woes of Brandon Woodruff, the Brewers needed ace results from Misiorowski in his second MLB season. So far, he’s given them just that, and Friday night’s legendary performance against the Yankees suggests he still hasn’t reached his ceiling.
