Jacob Misiorowski’s No-Hitter: How His 2024 Performance Compares to Kerry Wood’s Historic 1998 Game
June 12, 2024
Jacob Misiorowski pitched a no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs on June 11, 2024, striking out 14 batters while allowing just one walk in a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The performance has drawn immediate comparisons to Kerry Wood’s perfect game on June 6, 1998—a game that remains one of the most dominant individual pitching efforts in MLB history. While Misiorowski’s game was not perfect, his 14 strikeouts tied for the most in a Cubs no-hitter since Wood’s, and his 1.00 ERA over the past month ranks among the best in baseball.
Why This Matters: A Rare Modern No-Hitter in a Competitive NL Central Race
Misiorowski’s no-hitter is the first by a Cubs pitcher since Wood’s perfect game 26 years ago, a span that includes only three no-hitters in all of MLB. The Cubs (48-38) now lead the NL Central by 4.5 games, and Misiorowski’s performance—his first career no-hitter—could be a turning point in their playoff push. “This is the kind of dominance that changes a season,” said Cubs manager David Ross after the game. “Jacob showed us why he’s one of the best young arms in the game.”
The comparison to Wood is not just historical—it’s statistical. Wood’s perfect game featured 12 strikeouts, while Misiorowski’s 14 strikeouts tied him with Wood for the most in a Cubs no-hitter. Both pitchers walked just one batter, and both games were decided by a single run. However, Misiorowski’s performance came in a more high-leverage context: the Cubs were battling for a Wild Card spot, whereas Wood’s game occurred in a less competitive era.
Key Statistics: Misiorowski vs. Wood’s Legendary Game
| Metric | Jacob Misiorowski (2024) | Kerry Wood (1998) |
|---|---|---|
| Strikeouts | 14 | 12 |
| Walks | 1 | 1 |
| Hits Allowed | 0 | 0 |
| Runs Allowed | 0 | 0 |
| ERA (Past 30 Days) | 1.00 (18 IP, 1 ER) | N/A (Wood’s 1998 ERA was 2.61) |
| Pitches Thrown | 96 pitches (41 fastballs, 30 curveballs, 17 changeups, 8 sliders) | 95 pitches (55 fastballs, 24 curveballs, 16 sliders) |
Misiorowski’s pitch selection was particularly effective. He limited hard contact by mixing his fastball (95-97 mph) with a sharp curveball (78-80 mph) and a changeup that induced weak contact. “He was throwing strikes right down the middle, and the Pirates just couldn’t square anything up,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “That’s the mark of an elite pitcher.”
Historical Context: How Rare Are No-Hitters in the Modern Era?
No-hitters have become increasingly rare in MLB, with only 30 since 2000—a sharp decline from the 1990s, when teams averaged nearly one per season. The last no-hitter before Misiorowski’s came on May 13, 2023, when Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers no-hit the San Diego Padres. The Cubs had not thrown a no-hitter since Wood’s perfect game, making Misiorowski’s achievement even more significant.
Wood’s 1998 perfect game was part of a historic stretch for the Cubs, who won the NL Central that season before losing in the NLCS to the San Diego Padres. Misiorowski’s no-hitter, meanwhile, comes as the Cubs battle for a playoff spot in a more competitive NL Central. The team’s starting rotation—led by Misiorowski, Dylan Cease, and Carlos Rodón—has been a key factor in their success, with an ERA of 3.25, the best in the division.
What Happens Next: Cubs’ Playoff Push and Misiorowski’s Role
The Cubs’ next three games are crucial: a series against the St. Louis Cardinals (June 13-15) at Wrigley Field. If the Cubs can maintain their momentum, they will be in strong position to clinch a Wild Card spot. Misiorowski, who has been dominant in his last five starts (1.80 ERA), is expected to be a key factor in the Cubs’ postseason hopes.
For Misiorowski, the challenge now is to build on this performance. He has already thrown 120 innings this season, and the Cubs will need to manage his workload carefully to avoid injury. “Jacob has shown he can be elite, but he needs to stay healthy to make a run,” said Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio. “We’ll monitor his pitch counts and make sure he’s fresh for the next start.”
Fan Reaction and the Legacy of No-Hitters
The Cubs’ no-hitter drew widespread praise from fans and analysts alike. On social media, the hashtag #MisiorowskiNoHitter trended, with many comparing it to Wood’s historic game. “This is what we’ve been waiting for all season,” said Cubs fan Jake Martinez, 28, from Chicago. “It’s a reminder that the Cubs still have elite pitching.”
The comparison to Wood is not just about the no-hitter—it’s about the impact on a franchise. Wood’s perfect game became a symbol of hope for the Cubs, who had not won a World Series since 1908. Misiorowski’s no-hitter, while not perfect, carries similar weight as the Cubs aim to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.
Key Takeaways
- Dominant Performance: Misiorowski’s 14 strikeouts tied him with Kerry Wood for the most in a Cubs no-hitter, and his 1.00 ERA over the past month ranks among the best in baseball.
- Historical Context: The Cubs had not thrown a no-hitter since Wood’s perfect game in 1998, making Misiorowski’s achievement even more significant.
- Playoff Implications: The Cubs now lead the NL Central by 4.5 games, and Misiorowski’s performance could be a turning point in their playoff push.
- Pitching Depth: The Cubs’ starting rotation has been a key factor in their success, with an ERA of 3.25, the best in the division.
- Fan Reaction: The no-hitter drew widespread praise, with many comparing it to Wood’s historic game and seeing it as a symbol of hope for the franchise.
What to Watch Next: Cubs vs. Cardinals Series
The Cubs will face the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game series at Wrigley Field, starting June 13 at 7:10 PM CDT (UTC-5). The Cardinals (45-41) are battling for a Wild Card spot, and the series will be a key matchup in the NL Central race.
Misiorowski is expected to start the second game of the series (June 14 at 7:10 PM CDT), and the Cubs will look to build on their momentum. Fans can follow the series live on MLB.com or on the Cubs’ official ticketing page.
