Brewers 14, White Sox 2: Jacob Misiorowski dazzles, offense dominates

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Brewers 14, White Sox 2: Jacob Misiorowski dazzles, offense dominates

Milwaukee Brewers vs Boston Red Sox score, lineups, live updates — Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski pitches during the first inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel · Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Thu, Mar 26, 2026 ·

6 min read

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What began as a bummer of a day ended in the best of ways for the Milwaukee Brewers .

Shaking off the breaking news that star outfielder Jackson Chourio is going to miss the next two to four weeks with a fractured left hand , Jacob Misiorowski delivered one of the best opening day starts in franchise history and the offense went wild in a 14-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox in front of a sellout crowd of 43,001 at American Family Field on Thursday, March 26.

Misiorowski set a franchise record for opening day with 11 strikeouts in five innings and every starter had a either a hit or drove in a run to match the team's largest margin of victory and record its second-largest run output in a season lid-lifter.

Jake Bauers – starting in left field in place of the injured Chourio – and Sal Frelick homered, William Contreras had a bases-clearing double and Joey Ortiz also drove in a pair.

The pitching wasn't too shabby either: Misiorowski combined with Aaron Ashby , Grant Anderson, DL Hall and Jake Woodford to strike out 20 White Sox batters, tied for the most by a team in a nine-inning game since at least 1901. The Houston Astros and New York Mets also accomplished the feat in 2022.

The previous franchise high was 19 strikeouts, set in 14 innings on April 28, 2010 against the Pittsburgh Pirates .

Misiorowski's first opening day start got off to a rocky beginning when leadoff man Chase Meidroth took the right-hander's sixth offering, a 99.5-mph fastball, 417 feet out to left-center.

"There's a lot of emotion going through it, trying to figure it out," said Misiorowski of the hoopla surrounding opening day. He's the third-youngest pitcher in franchise history to receive the honor. "Then giving up the home run sucks, but the guy got to it. Threw it up and in and he got to it and said, 'Oh well. Move on.'"

Move on Misiorowski did, rebounding by striking out the next three hitters – a theme that would continue for Misiorowski in his outing.

Milwaukee Brewers warmup before the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski pitches against Chicago White Sox shortstop Chase Meidroth during the first inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski pitches during the first inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox shortstop Chase Meidroth (10) celebrates after the homer to left center during the first inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) reacts as Chicago White Sox shortstop Chase Meidroth (10) homered to left center during the first inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox shortstop Chase Meidroth (10) homered to left center during the first inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Shane Smith (64) pitches during the first inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox first base/outfield coach Jose Leger (73) celebrates Chicago White Sox shortstop Chase Meidroth (10) homer to left center during the first inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) doubles to center during the first inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox pitcher Shane Smith (64) pitches during the second inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) singles on a pop up to Chicago White Sox tight fielder Everson Pereira (28) during the second inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox second base Chase Meidroth (10) an d Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) miss the pop out from Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) during the second inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox second base Chase Meidroth (10) reacts to missing the catch from the pop out from Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) during the second inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) prepares to swing during the second inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) runs past third as Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) doubles (1) on a ground ball to Chicago White Sox left fielder Austin Hays (21) during the second inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas (20) strikes out swinging during the third inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox left fielder Austin Hays (21) singles on a ground ball to Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) during the fourth inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) walks during the fourth inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton (6) runs to second base as Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) is out on a sacrifice buntduring the fourth inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) singles on a line drive to right field during the fourth inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick (10) homers (1) on a fly ball to right field during the fifth inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) flies out to Chicago White Sox center fielder Luisangel Acuña (0) during the fifth inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) pitches during the sixth inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox pitcher Jedixson Paez (63) pitches during the sixth inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) caught stealing 2nd base by Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth (10) during the sixth inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn (28) singles on a ground ball to Chicago White Sox center fielder Luisangel Acuña (0) during the sixth inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) throws his bat after he pops out to Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) during the seventh inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Fans react as Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Jake Bauers (9) homers (1) on a fly ball to right field during the seventh inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Jake Bauers (9) homers (1) on a fly ball to right field during the seventh inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Luis Rengifo (13) flies out to Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery (12) during the eighth inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox second baseman Lenyn Sosa (50) strikes out swinging during the eighth inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) homers (1) on a fly ball to right field during the ninth inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jake Woodford (41) pitches during the ninth inning of the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers celebrate after their win against the Chicago White Sox in the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jake Woodford (41) and Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) celebrate after their win against the Chicago White Sox in the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

His counterpart, former Brewers farmhand Shane Smith , then found himself in a jam in the second when Frelick walked with one out, David Hamilton reached on a catcher's interference and Garrett Mitchell walked.

That fittingly brought No. 9-hitting Ortiz to the plate – he of the franchise-record 31 plate appearances with the bases loaded in 2025 (.167 average, 16 RBI) – and he blooped a run-scoring single just over the glove of Meidroth to knot the proceedings at 1-1.

"I was excited," Ortiz said. "I want that opportunity every time. Last year's last year; this is a new year and every at-bat I get with runners in scoring position, I want to come through."

After Brice Turang struck out, Contreras yanked a bases-clearing double down the third-base line that gave Milwaukee its first lead at 4-1 and chased Smith 36 pitches into the frame and 54 into the game.

Misiorowski, who struck out a pair in the second, followed up with two more in the third and then three in the fourth as he worked his way around a single and walk in the frame.

His second strikeout in the fourth, coming against Everson Pereira , gave Misiorowski nine – a franchise record on opening day. Freddy Peralta and Ben Sheets had shared the previous mark of eight, with Peralta reaching it in 2025.

The Brewers tacked onto their advantage in the bottom of the fourth when Hamilton opened with an infield single, advanced to second on a Mitchell bunt and scored on an Ortiz single.

Then with two outs, the White Sox elected to put Contreras on to face Christian Yelich , who responded with a run-scoring single to center, upping Milwaukee's lead to 6-1.

Misiorowski came full circle in his start by fanning Meidroth for his 11th and final strikeout, and when Colson Montgomery fouled out to Contreras, Misiorowski's day was done at 94 pitches with just two hits and two walks allowed, and the double-digit strikeout game the third of his career.

"It's my job to get five innings and work for the team and help them be successful in the game," said Misiorowski. "[The 11 strikeouts] just feels like you're floating, almost. I mean, you don't really feel anything. You kind of just go through the motions, and it's working out."

All told, Misiorowski induced a career-high 25 swings and misses while topping out at 101.1 mph on the radar gun.

"A lot of vert," Misiorowski said. "It was working today."

Murphy, as he always does, evaluated his young star's performance within the bigger picture while also crediting William Contreras for being a steadying hand behind the plate.

"I don't look at it as historic in terms of how he threw the ball," he said. "I think he did some really good things and he matured, which we're hoping for. I think that's the thing to get excited about. What it means for the future to get through the fourth and the fifth the way he did.

"He made some big pitches at big times."

Milwaukee's offense eliminated any doubts as to the final outcome in the bottom of the fifth when Bauers singled and Frelick followed by parking one on the very next pitch to make it an 8-1 game.

"Not really a home-run hitter so I always surprise myself when one goes over the fence," Frelick said. "But 1 through 9, (Smith) is a really good pitcher and to get a guy like that out of the game, I think it's just a tribute to really tough at-bats.

"If you're going to make an out, which you usually are, make sure to otake a pitce of the pitcher with you. I think that's our mind set."

Five walks and a pair of singles pushed three runs across in the sixth, then a three-run blast out to right by Bauers put up another three spot in the seventh for the Brewers.

"Offensivey, we didn't execute early. William bailed us out with a big double," said Murphy. "We just kept pecking away, taking our walks, good strike-ball. You think about it – Bauers doesn't hit that unless [Brandon] Lockridge gets on [one batter before on a fielder's choice]. A lot of guys roll over, ground ball, they're ticked off and jog to first.

"He decided to say, 'Look, keep this inning alive.' I'm sure Bauers said something to him, because that's the type of ballplayer you have to be. That's the brand of baseball that gets you that other pitch. It doesn't always lead to victory, but it gets you that other pitch and things change."

Ashby, Anderson, Hall and the newly acquired Woodford combined to finish the game, with Woodford allowing Chicago's only other run in the ninth on a leadoff homer to Munetaka Murakami – the ex-Japanese star's first major-league hit.

The teams' opening-day meeting was their fifth all-time but first since 1995.