Misiorowski Breaks World Series Velocity Record in Brewers' Opener Win

Key points

• Misiorowski's first pitch of the game was clocked at 103.5 mph by Statcast, surpassing Aroldis Chapman's 2016 record of 103.2 mph.
• The Brewers won 3-2 at American Family Field, with 43,250 fans attending the sell-out game.
• Misiorowski threw 11 of 13 pitches in the first inning as fastballs, averaging 101.9 mph, and finished with three strikeouts.
• Christian Yelich scored and drove in a run, helping the Brewers build a 3-1 lead before the Rays scored in the final inning.
• This is the first World Series since 1980 where neither team has previously won the championship.

Background

Misiorowski had a dominant regular season, leading MLB with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts. He faced mechanical concerns in the postseason, including a loss of vertical break in his fastball during the NLCS, but performed well in Game 1. The Brewers reached the World Series by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, while the Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post emphasized the historic nature of Misiorowski's record-setting pitch and his high-velocity performance throughout the game. BBC focused on the broader context of the game, including the attendance figures, the significance of the first championship-less matchup since 1980, and the contributions of Christian Yelich. Both outlets agreed on the final score and the record-breaking pitch, but the Post highlighted the pitcher's mechanics and velocity, while BBC provided more context on the series and team histories.

Why it matters

The record-setting pitch and Misiorowski's performance highlight the Brewers' strong pitching staff and their potential to win their first World Series title since 1982. The game's drama and the significance of the matchup underscore the importance of the series and the high stakes involved.

What to watch

The Brewers and Rays will play Game 2 on Saturday in Milwaukee. The series will then move to Florida for three games, with the final two games back in Milwaukee if necessary. Misiorowski's performance and the Brewers' ability to close out games will be key factors in the series.