Jacob Misiorowski outduels Paul Skenes as the Brewers beat the Pirates 4-2 on June 26, 2025. See how the rookie's gem and one big inning won the game.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a matchup billed as a glimpse into baseball's future, it was Milwaukee's own Jacob Misiorowski who shone brightest. The rookie right-hander went toe-to-toe with Pirates phenom Paul Skenes and came out on top, guiding the Brewers to a crucial 4-2 victory over their division rival. The win, fueled by a decisive early offensive burst, pushes the Crew to a solid 45-36 on the season.
Over his last seven games, infielder Joey Ortiz has gone 13-for-30, raising his batting average from .188 to .217 and his OPS from .506 to .572.
All eyes were on the mound Wednesday night, and Jacob Misiorowski did not disappoint. Facing the much-hyped Paul Skenes, Misiorowski delivered one of his most impressive starts as a big leaguer. He navigated the Pirates lineup with confidence, pitching 5.2 brilliant innings while allowing just one run on four hits. He punched out seven batters, showcasing the electric stuff that has fans so excited. While Skenes settled down after a rocky start, the damage was done. Misiorowski's poise under the bright lights proved he belongs in these high-stakes matchups.
The Brewers' offense gave their rookie starter all the support he would need in one explosive frame. In the bottom of the second, the Crew ambushed Skenes for four runs. The rally was a true team effort: Joey Ortiz started the scoring with an RBI groundout, Eric Haase followed with a ringing RBI double, Sal Frelick brought another run home with a fielder's choice, and Christian Yelich capped it all off with a run-scoring single. That inning was a masterclass in situational hitting and proved to be the difference-maker.
Speaking of Joey Ortiz, his RBI was just the latest contribution in what has been a torrid stretch for the infielder. After a slow start to the season, Ortiz has found his groove. In his last seven games, he's a blistering 13-for-30, a run that has lifted his batting average from a lowly .188 to a much more respectable .217. His resurgence has been a massive spark for the bottom half of the lineup, turning a potential liability into a legitimate threat.
Misiorowski's success on the mound is a testament to the Brewers' player development pipeline, and the front office is looking to reload. With the 2025 MLB Draft on the horizon, the Brewers' farm system is already considered one of the league's deeper units. Expect the team to continue its strategy of targeting high-contact hitters early while taking calculated risks on high-ceiling prep talent in later rounds. It's a formula that has produced players like Misiorowski and keeps the future in Milwaukee looking bright.
With a stellar performance from their young ace and timely hitting, the Brewers notched another important win. The bullpen, anchored by Trevor Megill's save, did its job to shut the door. This victory isn't just a single win; it's a statement. It shows the team can win big games behind its young talent and that the system is working from the minors to the majors. As the season marches on, this is the kind of complete team effort that builds momentum and championship aspirations.
