Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski matches MLB history made most recently by Felix Hernandez in 2007

The Milwaukee Brewers opened the 2026 regular season with a matchup against the Chicago White Sox in Milwaukee. Jacob Misiorowski got the nod.

After Freddy Peralta was traded to the New York Mets this past offseason, Misiorowski got his chance to start on Opening Day for the Brewers. The 23-year-old righty had a great outing, allowing one run in five innings with 11 strikeouts.

This outing from Misiorowski was not just the Opening Day record in strikeouts for a Brewers starter, but also matched Felix Hernandez with some remarkable history.

Jacob Misiorowski accomplishes feat last made by Felix Hernandez

"Jacob Misiorowski is the first pitcher age-23 or younger to have 11+ K in an Opening Day start since Felix Hernandez on April 2, 2007," @jayhaykid shared on Twitter/X.

Misiorowski finished his Opening Day game with two hits, three walks, and one run allowed with 11 strikeouts in five innings of work with a 1.80 ERA.

On paper, it's a fantastic outing for Misiorowski. Adding this context from @jayhaykid, and the note that this was the most Opening Day strikeouts for a Brewers starter, and the 23-year-old pitcher had a very strong beginning to his 2026 Brewers season.

More: Jacob DeGrom is only 149 strikeouts from 2,000 for his career

Hernandez was 21 years old when he had this dominant start back in 2007, where he shut down the Athletics in an eight-inning outing with only three hits allowed, no runs allowed, two walks, and 12 strikeouts in an 111-pitch outing.

Being compared to Hernandez is a great sign for Misiorowski, as the legendary Seattle Mariners ace was one of the best pitchers in baseball for a while, and is a strong Hall of Fame candidate.

The young Brewers flame-thrower is beginning the year on the right note, with a record-breaking and Felix-Hernandez-matching Opening Day performance.

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