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In a thrilling face-off between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers, Shohei Ohtani made headlines by hitting a leadoff home run. However, it was the Brewers’ rookie Jacob Misiorowski who stole the show, showcasing an impressive performance that led his team to a 3-1 victory at home. This game, played on July 8, 2025, brought together two of baseball’s most exciting talents, generating a buzz that fans and analysts alike were eager to discuss.

Ohtani’s Power and Misiorowski’s Response

Ohtani launched a spectacular 431-foot homer, marking his 31st of the season—the most by a player for the Dodgers before the All-Star break. Remarkably, this was the 21st career leadoff home run for the three-time MVP. Despite the early setback, Misiorowski showcased his resilience and determination, striking out a career-high 12 batters during the game.

Misiorowski expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s Shohei Ohtani. You kind of expect that. It’s cool to see him do it in action, but it fires me up even more coming back the next at-bat and striking him out. I’m right there.” His performance was not only impressive but also historic, as he demonstrated pitching success against previous Cy Young Award winners.

Key Highlights of the Game

Misiorowski struck out Ohtani, contributing significantly to his career-high in strikeouts.
Despite giving up the home run, he settled in to retire 12 of the next 16 batters.
The Brewers managed to secure the win, thwarting a late-game threat from the Dodgers.

The Rookie’s Rising Star

The young right-hander has quickly captured the attention of both fans and players alike. In his five starts since being called up from the minors, Misiorowski has demonstrated exceptional talent, boasting a record of 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA. He has consistently delivered impressive performances, including defeating established pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and carrying a perfect game into the seventh inning in one of his previous outings.

Manager Pat Murphy aptly described Misiorowski’s budding career: “He’s just broken the shell. He’s just out of the egg, all arms and legs. He’s still got gooey stuff coming off, you can see it, all arms and legs, but there’s something special about him.” His fastball regularly exceeds 100 mph, and he showcased a diverse pitching repertoire in this game, throwing 19 curveballs compared to his average pregame curve usage.

Impact on the Dodgers

The loss was a tough one for the Dodgers, as they faced not only Misiorowski’s arm but also had to contend with their own struggles in capitalizing on scoring opportunities. They had a chance in the sixth inning, but stellar defensive play by the Brewers’ third baseman Andruw Monasterio and a resolute Misiorowski halted their momentum. The Dodgers finished the game with only one walk and four hits, reflecting the dominant performance by Misiorowski.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both teams will continue to vie for pivotal standings. The Brewers’ impressive young talent in Jacob Misiorowski adds a new dimension to their pitching rotation, while Ohtani’s continued excellence keeps the Dodgers excited about their potential. Fans of baseball are left eagerly anticipating future matchups between these two teams, especially as they feature such electrifying players.

FAQs

How many home runs has Shohei Ohtani hit this season?

Shohei Ohtani has hit 31 home runs this season, the most by any Dodgers player before the All-Star break.

What was Jacob Misiorowski’s performance against the Dodgers?

Jacob Misiorowski struck out a career-high 12 batters and led the Brewers to a 3-1 victory against the Dodgers.

How has Misiorowski performed since being called up?

Misiorowski has an impressive record of 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA, showcasing significant talent in his five starts.

What did Clayton Kershaw say about Misiorowski?

Kershaw called Misiorowski’s performance “super impressive” and noted the difficulty in hitting against his pitches.

What are the next games for the Dodgers and the Brewers?

Both teams are focused on their upcoming matchups as they aim for better positioning in the league standings.