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Jacob Misiorowski's Playoff Debut Powers Brewers to 2-0 NLDS Lead
When Jacob Misiorowski, the 23‑year‑old right‑hander, took the mound on , Milwaukee’s bullpen never looked back. His three scoreless innings helped the Milwaukee Brewers clinch a 2‑0 lead over the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of the National League Division SeriesAmerican Family Field. The result? A postseason debut that felt more like a statement.
Why This Moment Matters
The Brewers have been a club on the brink of a World Series crown for years, and this series was their best chance since 1982. A 2‑0 lead in a best‑of‑five format puts the Cubs in a do‑or‑die situation, echoing the 2000 NLDS where a similar deficit proved fatal. Misiorowski’s emergence adds a new piece to a bullpen that was already one of the league’s strengths.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
Milwaukee entered the night trailing 2‑1 after an early Cubs surge in Game 2. By the fifth inning, the Brewers still needed a reliable arm to keep the game within reach. That’s when Misiorowski was called upon.
- Innings Pitched: 3.0 (through the fifth)
- Hits Allowed: 1 (a single to the left‑field line)
- Strikeouts: 4 (including Pete Alonso)
- Walks: 0
- Fastball Velocity: 103–104 mph (two pitches clocked at 104.2 mph by Statcast)
- Slider Speed: 94.5 mph, spin rate 2,556 rpm
The lone hit came in the third inning, a soft liner that barely cleared the infield. It set the stage for Misiorowski’s highlight‑reel defensive play: Cubs catcher Carson Kelly swung at a low slider, sending a weak grounder drifting 5 feet from home plate. Misiorowski sprinted, scooped the ball, and, in a flash of adrenaline, jogged to first base himself to complete the out. The crowd roared, and his teammates swarmed him.
From Late‑Season Struggles to Postseason Stardom
Just weeks earlier, Misiorowski was a name whispered in the back rows of the Brewers’ bullpen meetings. His final regular‑season appearance came on September 28 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he logged a respectable 2.25 ERA over two innings. The difference? A renewed confidence and a mechanical tweak that added a few clicks to his fastball.
“Jacob’s work ethic is off the charts,” said Craig Counsell, the Brewers’ manager, in the post‑game press conference. “We kept an eye on his velocity trend, and when we saw that 104‑plus fastball, we knew we had a weapon for the stretch.”
Reactions From Both Camps
The Cubs, meanwhile, were left to regroup. Their starter, Kyle Hendricks, lasted just 2.2 innings before the bullpen took over. After the game, Cubs’ general manager Jed Hoyer admitted, “We expected a tight series, but falling behind two games changes the narrative. Our next moves will be about short‑handedness and keeping the pressure on.”
Baseball analyst Jon Morosi of ESPN noted, “A 104 mph fastball from a rookie reliever in the playoffs is rare. It forces hitters to sit up straight and disrupts any rhythm the Cubs were trying to build.”
Impact on the Series and What’s Next
The Brewers’ offensive output—24 hits to Chicago’s 10 through two games—combined with a now‑authentic back‑end pitch‑er, puts them in a commanding position. If the bullpen can maintain Misiorowski’s velocity and control, Milwaukee could afford to lean on its starters for fewer innings, preserving arm health for a potential World Series run.
Game 3 shifts to Wrigley Field on October 9, and the Cubs must win to stay alive. They’ll likely rotate their bullpen heavily, possibly bringing in veteran right‑hander Jordan Wicks earlier than planned.
Key Takeaways
- Jacob Misiorowski’s playoff debut featured a 104.2 mph fastball and a clutch defensive play.
- The Brewers now lead the NLDS 2‑0, with a statistical edge in hits (24‑10).
- Chicago’s pitching staff faces increased pressure, potentially reshaping their rotation.
- Milwaukee’s bullpen depth, highlighted by Misiorowski, could be the X‑factor in a World Series pursuit.
- The series heads to Wrigley Field, where the Cubs must win two straight to avoid elimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Misiorowski’s performance affect the Brewers’ bullpen strategy?
His three‑scoreless innings give manager Craig Counsell confidence to shorten the workloads of other relievers. It also means the Brewers can afford to let starters go deeper, preserving arms for a potential World Series.
What makes a 104 mph fastball significant in a playoff setting?
Velocity at that level rarely appears from a rookie reliever in October. It forces opposing hitters to tighten up, reduces reaction time, and can swing the momentum of a tight series.
What are the Cubs’ biggest challenges after falling 2‑0?
Chicago now faces a pressure‑filled road game at Wrigley where they must rely on a stretched bullpen and find ways to generate early runs against a hot Brewers offense.
Who were the key offensive contributors for Milwaukee in the first two games?
Veteran sluggers like William Contreras and emerging power hitter Matty McNeil combined for eight extra‑base hits, delivering the run support that paired perfectly with the pitching.
When is Game 3 scheduled and where?
Game 3 is set for at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
