Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski hits 104.5 mph-hardest starter fastball ever

How Misiorowski’s 104.5 mph pitch broke records

Misiorowski’s 104.5 mph fastball, recorded by pitch-tracking systems, surpassed the previous mark for a starting pitcher of 103.5 mph set by Tarik Skubal in 2023. The pitch, thrown in the first inning against Phillies leadoff hitter Schwarber, was the fastest by a starter in the 58-year history of the Brewers franchise. “This is not a normal pitcher,” said Brewers catcher William Contreras, who noted Misiorowski’s 7-foot-1 frame and 8 feet of extension gave hitters an unfair advantage. “I would imagine it’s extremely different when you have a pitcher who is almost 7 feet in height, 8 feet of extension and throws the ball 105 mph.” The pitch was part of a historic performance: Misiorowski struck out three of the Phillies’ top hitters in the first inning, including Trea Turner at 103.5 mph and Bryce Harper at 104.1 mph. These three strikeouts marked the three fastest strikeout pitches for a starter in the pitch-tracking era, including the postseason. The game featured 58 triple-digit fastballs, with 31 at 102 mph or higher, both new records for the era. “For me, personally, that was as good as it gets,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who called the outing “incredible” against an “offense like that, with all of those All-Stars over there.”

Contrasting the two sources: Aroldis Chapman’s legacy vs. Misiorowski’s milestone

While both sources confirmed Misiorowski’s 104.5 mph pitch as the hardest by a starting pitcher since 2008, they diverged on its broader context. The Fox News report highlighted that the pitch still fell short of Aroldis Chapman’s all-time record of 105.8 mph, thrown in 2010. “It’s still quite a way off from the hardest pitch ever thrown in MLB history,” the article noted, adding that Chapman’s 105.7 mph fastball in 2016 remains the second-highest. However, the MLB.com article emphasized the significance of Misiorowski’s performance within the Brewers’ franchise history, calling it “the greatest game for any pitcher in the 58 seasons of Brewers franchise history.” The discrepancy underscores the difference in focus between the two outlets. The Fox News piece framed the pitch as a momentary spectacle, noting that Schwarber “didn’t notice it being much faster than any other pitch that at-bat” due to the high velocity of all five pitches he faced. In contrast, the MLB.com article framed the game as a career-defining moment, with Contreras describing Misiorowski as “Forrest Gump-like” in his “naive” approach to the game. “He goes out and lets it eat,” Contreras said, a quote that highlights the Brewers’ internal narrative around the pitcher’s unorthodox style.

What the numbers reveal: A statistical outlier in modern baseball

Misiorowski’s game was not just about the 104.5 mph pitch. He struck out 15 batters, the most in the majors this season, and completed a “Maddux” — a shutout on fewer than 100 pitches — with 95 total. This marked the first Brewers complete-game shutout since Brandon Woodruff’s 2019 performance against the Marlins. The 15 strikeouts also set a new career high for Misiorowski, who has maintained a 0.17 ERA in his past eight starts, the lowest such mark since 1913. The game’s statistical improbability is further emphasized by the fact that Misiorowski threw 58 pitches above 100 mph, with 31 at 102 mph or higher. These numbers, reported by both sources, highlight his dominance on the mound. “I think I was trying to push it a little bit to feel something,” Misiorowski said, describing how his velocity “just started coming out” in the later innings. The Brewers’ coaching staff has since praised his ability to “let it eat,” a phrase that encapsulates his unfiltered approach to pitching.

Why this game matters for the Brewers and the league

For the Brewers, Misiorowski’s performance represents a breakthrough in their quest for a playoff berth. The team has struggled with consistency this season, but Misiorowski’s outing provided a rare moment of brilliance. “In the Major Leagues, to pitch a game like that against an offense like that, that’s that capable,” said manager Pat Murphy, who called the game “incredible.” The win also extended the Brewers’ lead in the National League Central, though the team’s overall record remains at 35-32 as of June 13, 2026. From a league perspective, Misiorowski’s game raises questions about the future of pitching velocity. His 104.5 mph pitch, while not the fastest ever recorded, is a sign of the increasing emphasis on high-velocity starters. “It’s about the same as the Yankees, the Dodgers, any of those big-market teams,” one anonymous scout told MLB.com, hinting at the growing parity in MLB’s competitive landscape. However, the Brewers’ smaller market and limited resources make Misiorowski’s performance even more remarkable. The game also reignited debates about the role of pitch-tracking technology in modern baseball. While the 104.

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