The Milwaukee Brewers opened their 2026 season at home against the Chicago White Sox, and their new ace Jacob Misiorowski made quite the statement in his debut.
The 23-year-old right-hander struck out 11 batters through five innings – setting a new Brewers franchise record for most strikeouts on Opening Day. Not a bad way to announce yourself as the team’s new top starter.
“Jacob Misiorowski in season debut: 5 IP, 1 ER, 11 K (Brewers Opening Day record), 2 H, 3 BB, 25 Whiffs, 58% Whiff rate, Topped out at 101.1 MPH,” Underdog MLB shared.
Things didn’t start perfectly for Misiorowski – Chase Meidroth took him deep on literally the first batter of the game. But that’s where the damage ended.
The flame-throwing righty settled in and dominated the White Sox lineup from there. He finished with just two hits allowed and a 1.80 ERA while helping the Brewers cruise to an 8-1 victory.
Filling Peralta’s Shoes
This performance carries extra weight considering Milwaukee’s decision to trade Freddy Peralta this offseason. The Brewers essentially handed Misiorowski the keys to their rotation, and he’s already making that move look smart.
Compare that to Peralta’s first start with his new team – a rough 7.20 ERA – and it’s clear the Brewers might’ve gotten this transition right.
What makes this debut even more impressive is how Misiorowski bounced back from that early home run. Young pitchers can let moments like that snowball, but he showed the kind of mental toughness you want from your ace.
It’s just one game, but when you’re setting franchise records in your first start as the new top guy, that’s the kind of statement that gets people’s attention. The Brewers bet big on Misiorowski stepping up, and so far, he’s delivering.
