One of the most eagerly awaited games of the 2025 Major League Baseball season will take place on Wednesday afternoon when the Milwaukee Brewers host the Pittsburgh Pirates in a crucial rubber match. The highlight of this contest is an epic pitching duel between two of baseball’s fastest young right-handers, Paul Skenes and Jacob Misiorowski, both 23 years old and known for their overpowering arms.
Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, boasts a 4-6 record with a 1.85 ERA this season. Facing him will be rookie Jacob Misiorowski, who is 2-0 with an even lower 1.64 ERA and has made a strong impression in his first few starts for the Brewers. This game promises to capture the attention of baseball fans nationwide as these two powerful pitchers take the mound against each other.
Profiles of the Leading Pitchers
The imposing 6-foot-6 Skenes helped lead LSU to a national championship before entering the majors, where he quickly established himself as one of the sport’s premier young arms. Known for his consistently high velocity on his four-seam fastball, Skenes averages 98.1 mph on the radar gun. His performance against the Brewers has been excellent, with a 1-0 record, a stellar 0.69 ERA, and 19 strikeouts over 13 innings in two career starts against Milwaukee.
His opponent, Jacob Misiorowski, stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 197 pounds. Despite making only his third major league start, Misiorowski has made headlines with his electrifying fastball, averaging 99.7 mph. Impressively, in his last outing against Minnesota, he threw 29 pitches that registered at 100 mph or faster. His strong debut included five no-hit innings versus St. Louis and six perfect innings in his second start, only yielding a walk and a home run in the later innings.
Ticket Frenzy Reflects the Matchup’s Excitement
The buzz around this game is reflected in ticket sales. Milwaukee Brewers president of business operations, Rick Schlesinger, noted the rapid response from fans leading up to the event.
“When we announced the matchup, we sold about 10,000 tickets in 27 hours,”
he said.
“So (Wednesday’s) game is essentially sold out. It’s standing room only, but it’s a matchup for the ages. Two really impressive young pitchers at the top of their game. It should be epic.”
Performance Records and Previous Encounters
Skenes’ track record against the Brewers adds further intrigue, including a standout performance last July at American Family Field where he pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters before departing with 99 pitches thrown. Meanwhile, Misiorowski’s meteoric rise has been underlined by a historic start to his career, featuring the longest hitless streak to begin a major league pitching career since 1900, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The two right-handers recently met in the bullpen before a Pirates victory over the Brewers, a rare face-to-face moment that built anticipation for the upcoming pitching duel. Misiorowski expressed enthusiasm about the showdown, telling mlb.com,
“I think it’s going to be really entertaining to watch. Two guys that are at the top of their game right now. So, I think it’s cool. It’s going to be fun.”
Expert Opinions on Skenes’ Dominance
Pirates manager Don Kelly praised Skenes’ composure and skill, especially given his young age.
“Everything just flows off his back. He never lets anything affect him too much,”
Kelly noted.
“To be 23 years old and to have the power stuff we all see, but it’s that pitch-ability that has really made him special, in my opinion.”
Skenes leads all MLB qualifiers with an impressive 1.85 ERA and tops the National League with a 0.88 WHIP this season, proving his consistency alongside his power.
Milwaukee’s Momentum and Key Players
The Brewers enter this key matchup riding high after a 9-3 victory on Tuesday night, marking their fifth win in six games. Joey Ortiz energized the team with two home runs and four RBIs, marking his first multi-homer game at the major league level. Ortiz’s surge at the plate is notable, having lifted his batting average from .183 in early June to .217 during his current eight-game hitting streak.
Manager Pat Murphy credited Ortiz’s improved confidence as a major factor in this offensive upswing.
“He’s starting to get confident and starting to believe when he goes up there that, ‘I can do some things.’ He’s been on a torrid pace here,”
Murphy said, highlighting the impact Ortiz has had at the plate during this stretch.
What This Showdown Means for the Season
This epic pitching duel between Paul Skenes and Jacob Misiorowski has quickly become one of the must-watch events on the 2025 MLB calendar, drawing attention not only for the high velocities but also for the skill and poise demonstrated by these young stars. Their performances could shape the momentum for their respective teams and further establish their reputations in the league. Fans can expect a highly competitive and thrilling game that showcases the future of baseball’s elite pitching talent.