Brewers win first title as Misiorowski limits velocity

Jacob Misiorowski secured the Milwaukee Brewers' first World Series championship in franchise history on Wednesday night by pitching five and two-thirds scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 4-1 victory in Game 5 ended the 58-year title drought for the team. Misiorowski left the game early due to a right calf cramp while the Brewers held a four-run lead.

The right-hander did not rely on his typical maximum velocity to secure the win. He tied his career low for strikeouts with just two. He also allowed two hits over his time on the mound. Despite the lower strikeout count, he maintained control and prevented the Rays from scoring while navigating a damaged pitching surface.

Misiorowski’s delivery created a large divot on the Tropicana Field mound. The Tampa Bay grounds crew made multiple trips during the game to fill in the hole. His long stride with his left leg contributed to the erosion. Head athletic trainer Brad Epstein accompanied the pitcher off the field after the cramp set in. This injury is similar to one that forced him from two starts in May.

The performance caps a season in which Misiorowski likely earned the National League Cy Young Award. He threw 1,115 pitches at 100 mph or faster during the year. This number shatters the previous record of 673 set by Jordan Hicks of St. Louis in 2018. His fastest throw of the season reached 105.5 mph against the Chicago Cubs. He also recorded 30 pitches at 101 mph or higher and two at 103 mph during the clinching game alone.

Misiorowski finished the regular season with a 16-5 record. He led the majors with a 1.80 earned run average, 252 strikeouts, and held opponents to a .157 batting average. He became only the fourth pitcher since 1950 to lead the league in those three statistical categories simultaneously. His workload increased significantly this year. He pitched 193 and two-thirds innings across the regular season and postseason, up from 141 and one-third innings last year.

Manager Pat Murphy described Misiorowski as a hard worker who improved through weight room training. Murphy said the team saw the pitcher come in 30 pounds heavier and observed his efforts between starts. William Contreras, the World Series MVP, noted that Misiorowski is still young and learning. Contreras said he tells the pitcher things directly because he believes the 24-year-old needs that feedback.

Misiorowski rushed out of the third base dugout after the final out. He raised his arms and hugged teammates on the diamond. He described the feeling as floating and said his mind finally cleared to realize they had won. He mentioned feeling sick in the morning before the game. He credited his fiancée for helping him get through the day. The Brewers now hold the trophy after a season defined by Misiorowski's historic velocity.