Dave Roberts, the manager of Shohei Ohtani, appreciates the significant impact that exceptional players bring to baseball.
After the Dodgers’ 4-1 defeat on Saturday, Roberts had some high praise for Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski.
“It’s quite something,” he remarked. “I really want to recognize Jacob and share just how talented he is. He’s a wonderful young man and a terrific player. What he showcased today—what everyone witnesses every time he takes the mound—is just something special. Players like him, and like Shohei, really elevate the game.”
Roberts expressed his admiration for the way Misiorowski faced Ohtani during the sixth at-bat of the first inning, forcing him to leap to reach third base.
Interestingly, Misiorowski only relied on fastballs during the game. The speed readings on the Dodger Stadium scoreboard were remarkable: 104, 104, 104, 103, 104, 104.
“Honestly, I didn’t catch the first one. The game’s number of pitches was 104,” Roberts mentioned.
The Dodgers saw their first hit against Misiorowski, a leading candidate for the Cy Young Award, in the third inning when Alex Cole hit an infield single. Ohtani later tripled, reaching home on that play.
As the Dodgers faced a 4-1 deficit, they loaded the bases in the fifth but couldn’t capitalize, as Misiorowski struck out both Ohtani and Freddie Freeman to escape the jam.
Roberts viewed it as a minor success that they managed to take Misiorowski out after just six innings. The Dodgers recorded five hits and earned one walk off him, while Misiorowski struck out six batters, improving his record to 12 wins and 5 losses with a 1.75 ERA.
“I think we did a commendable job competing and getting him out in the sixth inning,” Roberts commented.
This decision allowed the Dodgers to bring in left-hander Aaron Ashby for two innings of relief, although it might sideline him for the upcoming series finale on Sunday.
