Dodgers manager says Jacob Misiorowski is ‘great’ for baseball

As Shohei Ohtani’s manager, Dave Roberts knows how much a singular talent can mean to baseball.

Roberts described Milwaukee Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski in such terms following the Dodgers’ 4-1 loss on Saturday.

“It’s fantastic,” Roberts said. “I hope that we can give Jacob as much credit and publicity as possible. He’s a great kid and he’s great for the game. What he did today, what they see every time he pitches, you just don’t see it. Guys like him, and obviously guys like Shohei, the game’s in a great spot.”

Roberts was awestruck by how Misiorowki attacked Ohtani in his six-pitch at-bat in the first inning, which resulted in a popup to third base.

Misiowowki threw him only fastballs.

The pitch velocities that flashed on the Dodger Stadium scoreboard: 104, 104, 104, 103, 104, 104.

“I’ve never seen the first [three] pitches of a game 104,” Roberts said.

The Dodgers’ first hit against the Cy Young Award frontrunner came in the third inning when Alex Call reached base on an infield single. Call scored on a triple by Ohtani.

Behind by a 4-1 margin, the Dodgers loaded the bases in the fifth inning, only for Misiorowski to get out of the jam by striking out Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in succession.

Considering what the Dodgers were up against, Roberts considered it a minor victory to be able to force Misiorowski out of the game after six innings. The Dodgers collected five hits and a walk against Misiorowski, who struck out six batters. Misiorowsk improved his record to 12-5 and lowered his earned-run average to 1.75.

“I thought we did a nice job in the sense of shortening up, competing, getting him out in the sixth inning,” Roberts said.

In doing so, the Dodgers were able to force left-hander Aaron Ashby to pitch two innings in relief, which will likely make him unavailable for the series finale on Sunday.

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