Reds offense powers past Brewers
The Cincinnati Reds secured a 7-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in a game that featured a highly anticipated pitching duel between Chase Burns of the Reds and Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers. The Reds’ offense was a significant factor, particularly in the fourth inning.
Misiorowski, also known as “The Miz,” surrendered a home run early in the game and then a three-run shot in the fourth inning. This offensive outburst by Cincinnati created a deficit that Milwaukee’s offense could not overcome. Misiorowski pitched for five innings, allowing four hits and five runs, with one earned run, while striking out 10 batters.
Burns, his counterpart, limited Milwaukee to two runs over six innings. The Brewers’ runs came from a Garrett Mitchell homer in the fifth inning and a Brice Turang double in the sixth. This loss marked Milwaukee’s first against Cincinnati in seven matchups this season.
Key offensive plays
The Reds initiated their scoring early when Sal Stewart hit a 102.3-mph fastball for a home run in the first inning, giving Cincinnati an initial lead. The fourth inning proved to be particularly challenging for Misiorowski.
The inning began with JJ Bleday’s bunt, which led to an error. Following a couple of singles, Noelvi Marte’s hit made the score 2-0. Jose Trevino then hit a fly ball that resulted in a three-run homer, extending the Reds’ lead to 5-0. This marked the second time this season that Cincinnati has hit two home runs off Misiorowski, with Toronto being the only other team to achieve this on April 14.
Milwaukee attempted to narrow the gap in the sixth inning. A single by Jackson Chourio was followed by an opposite-field double from Turang, which brought Chourio home and reduced the deficit to 5-2. However, this momentum was short-lived as Turang was caught in a rundown, and Jake Bauers grounded out.
In the seventh inning, TJ Friedl hit a home run off Grant Anderson, pushing the Reds’ lead back to four runs. Friedl later added an RBI single in the eighth inning, making the score 7-2. Garrett Stallings made his major league debut in the ninth, pitching a scoreless frame.
Pitching comparison and past encounters
The game was notable for featuring Burns and Misiorowski, two right-handers who were highly regarded prospects. Both pitchers possess triple-digit fastballs and have been considered potential National League All-Stars and Cy Young contenders in their second year.
Misiorowski is recognized for having the highest average fastball velocity among starters and has thrown the fastest pitch by a starter in the pitch tracking era at 105.5 mph. Burns’ fastball, while slightly slower at 97.9 mph, exhibits more vertical movement and has a cut that makes it effective against both left-handed and right-handed batters.
In terms of breaking balls, Misiorowski’s 93 mph slider is among the fastest in the game. Burns’ slider is also notable, ranking as the fourth-hardest among starters at 90.6 mph, and it shows more break. Misiorowski’s arsenal also includes a cutter and a curveball, which he throws harder than other starters.
Neither pitcher has heavily relied on their changeup, primarily using it against left-handed hitters. Misiorowski has not allowed a hit on his changeup, while Burns has achieved whiffs on a third of his changeup offerings. Both pitchers have acknowledged working on this pitch.
While this was their first regular-season face-off, both pitchers had previous encounters with their respective opponents during their rookie seasons in 2025. Misiorowski made two appearances against the Reds last year, allowing five earned runs in one start and one earned run in a relief appearance. Burns had a brief relief appearance against the Brewers, striking out four batters over 1 2/3 innings without allowing any hits.
The Brewers’ current record stands at 53-32, placing them first in the NL Central. Their upcoming schedule includes a series against the Diamondbacks, with games on July 3, July 4, and July 5.
Source: eu.jsonline.com