Misiorowski’s Slider Proves Key as Brewers Edge Dodgers Behind Dominant Pitching

Jacob Misiorowski showcased more than his overpowering fastball Saturday night, relying on a sharp slider to escape danger as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 at Dodger Stadium. The right-hander navigated a bases-loaded situation in the fifth inning by striking out two of baseball’s premier hitters, demonstrating the expanded arsenal that has made him one of the game’s most compelling young arms.

Over six innings, Misiorowski surrendered one run on five hits while improving his record to 12-5 with a 1.75 ERA. The critical moment came when Dodgers hitters loaded the bases with one out and Shohei Ohtani stepping into the box. Rather than lean on his dominant triple-digit fastball, catcher William Contreras orchestrated a sequence using a curveball, fastball at 102.4 mph, and slider that resulted in a strikeout.

Misiorowski employed the same slider to get Freddie Freeman swinging moments later, ending the inning without further damage. The pitcher credited Contreras with recognizing an opportunity to mix speeds after Ohtani had seen six consecutive fastballs over 102 mph leading off the game, which Misiorowski retired on a popup.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy emphasized the significance of Misiorowski’s evolving skill set, noting the 24-year-old’s ability to execute breaking pitches with precision. Murphy dismissed concerns that Misiorowski relies solely on his fastball, pointing to Saturday’s performance as evidence of his comprehensive development as a pitcher capable of succeeding in high-pressure situations.

Ohtani contributed the Dodgers’ only run, driving in a score with a triple in the third inning off a ground ball that bounced over first baseman Gary Sánchez into the right-field corner. Murphy declined to characterize the play as a mistake, instead praising Ohtani’s ability to execute against Misiorowski’s arsenal.

The matchup marked a rematch of their postseason encounter from October’s NL Championship Series, when Misiorowski took a loss despite allowing one run in five innings of Game 3. That experience, combined with Saturday’s dominant outing before a national television audience, has bolstered the young pitcher’s confidence heading into the remainder of the season.

With the Brewers holding a 2-1 series lead over the Dodgers, the division rivals remain positioned to potentially meet again in October. Murphy expressed confidence in Misiorowski’s ability to rise to the occasion should higher stakes call for a postseason rematch.