Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski takes the mound for Game 1 of the 2026 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field, entering the franchise’s first Fall Classic appearance since 1982 while carrying a historic fastball velocity record into the opening matchup.
Jacob Misiorowski and Nick Martinez Draw Game 1 Assignments
The Milwaukee Brewers will send Jacob Misiorowski to the hill against Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez for the opening game of the 2026 World Series on Friday evening at American Family Field. For Milwaukee, the matchup marks the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 1982 and only the second in team history.
Martinez enters the Fall Classic after posting a 15-6 record with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP over the regular season for the Rays. Misiorowski counters with a dominant regular-season campaign that featured a 16-5 record, a 1.80 ERA, a 0.802 WHIP, and a league-leading 252 strikeouts across 174 2/3 innings. For Tampa Bay, Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta are expected to take the ball for Games 2 and 3, while Logan Henderson is the likely Game 2 starter for Milwaukee. Game 1 begins at 8 p.m. ET on Friday and is broadcast on Fox, Fox One, and Fox Deportes.
"I need to feel the fans get into it."Jacob Misiorowski calls on Milwaukee fans to bring the energy against the Rays 📣(via @patmcafeeshow) pic.twitter.com/F9Ikg8dzU3
Misiorowski Averages 100.6 Mph on Four-Seam Fastball
Misiorowski has dominated radar guns throughout the year, averaging 100.6 mph on his four-seam fastball while throwing 1,677 of them. In Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres, his very first pitch was clocked at 104.8 mph. Hitters have faced a pitch that generates immense power and upward movement as it crosses the plate, though opposing lineups in October have focused on fouling off pitches and driving up his pitch count.
Yet October has brought distinct challenges for the young right-hander. Brewers pitching coach Chris Hook and pitching coordinator Jim Henderson identified two mechanical adjustments during an 11-day layoff, noting that Misiorowski was sinking too deeply into his legs and slowing his delivery to guard against postseason adrenaline prior to Game 1.
Long story [short], he’s taken on a lot of responsibility as a young [24]-year-old kid. I think it’s been a lot for him.
Pat Murphy, Brewers manager
Misiorowski Becomes Youngest Pitcher to Start Three Game 1s
At 24 years and 203 days old on Friday, Misiorowski becomes the youngest pitcher to start three Game 1s in one postseason, surpassing Cole Hamels of the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies and Madison Bumgarner of the 2014 San Francisco Giants. His rise follows a regular season where his strikeout rate and overall numbers led the National League.
| Pitcher | Regular Season ERA | Regular Season WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Misiorowski | 1.80 | 0.802 | 252 |
| Nick Martinez | 3.10 | 1.09 | 109 |
Reflecting on the responsibility ahead, I think I’ve just got to stick to my strengths and pound the zone
Misiorowski stated ahead of the opener.