Jacob Misiorowski to Start World Series Game 1 Friday
The 24-year-old Brewers pitcher will take the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Baseball
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Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski is slated to start Game 1 of the 2026 World Series on Friday, October 23, 2026, at American Family Field. He will face off against Nick Martinez of the Tampa Bay Rays as the Brewers compete for their first championship since 1982.
Why it matters
The matchup highlights the return of the Milwaukee Brewers to the World Series after a 44-year absence. The series is particularly notable for Misiorowski's historic performance this season, setting a new benchmark for velocity in Major League Baseball.
Jacob Misiorowski finished the regular season with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts. He shattered the previous record for 100-mph pitches in a single season by delivering 1,115 such deliveries throughout the year.
The players
Jacob Misiorowski
He is a 24-year-old pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers who set records for high-velocity pitching during the 2026 season.
Nick Martinez
He is the starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who was selected to take the mound for the team in Game 1.
Drew Rasmussen
He is a pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays expected to start in both Game 2 and Game 6 of the series.
The details
Misiorowski brings a unique, Charizard-themed approach to his game, a personal trademark that gained visibility during the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia when he debuted a custom glove. He holds a career-high pitch speed of 104.8 mph, a metric that has defined his dominant presence on the mound throughout the regular season.
Timeline
The Milwaukee Brewers last appeared in the World Series in 1982.
Jacob Misiorowski pulled a rare holographic Charizard card in August 2025.
Misiorowski debuted a custom Charizard-themed glove at the 2026 All-Star Game.
Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026.
Game 2 of the World Series will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This World Series appearance serves as a bookend to the long-standing championship drought for the Milwaukee organization, which dates back to 1982. The series outcome will determine whether this 2026 squad cements its legacy as the best in franchise history.
Brewers fans and fantasy participants should note that Misiorowski's historical usage of 1,115 pitches over 100 mph indicates a heavy reliance on high-velocity fastballs as his primary strikeout tool. His postseason effectiveness will be measured against his recent outings, specifically his four innings against San Diego and 4 1/3 frames against Los Angeles.
The takeaway
Misiorowski's record-breaking season demonstrates how specialized training and modern pitching metrics can redefine the expectations for starting pitchers. His performance will serve as the primary defensive anchor for the Brewers as they attempt to secure their first title in over four decades.
What happens next
Game 2 of the World Series is scheduled to follow on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Further reading
Follow the latest postseason updates on the Milwaukee Baseball page.
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