It was just a series in early June, and no, the two best pitchers in baseball this year did not square off against each other.
Yet it’s hard to minimize the symbolic power of the Milwaukee Brewers and Jacob Misiorowski’s ‘ weekend conquest of Cristopher Sánchez and the Philadelphia Phillies.
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Misiorowski pitched the game of his life Friday, June 12, a one-hitter with 15 strikeouts that set all kinds of high-water marks for maximum velocity and utter, bloodless efficiency.
Two days later, after the Phillies squared the series, Jackson Chourio jumped on the great Sánchez for a leadoff home run, jump-starting a series-winning 4-0 victory that dealt Sánchez just his third loss in 15 starts.
By weekend’s end, The Miz had a firm lead over Sánchez – who posted a 55-inning scoreless streak, a record for a left-hander earlier this month – in virtually every key pitching category. And the Brewers clawed their way into the No. 2 slot in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings.
“I’m happy for the guys to be in a battle like this with a team built for the World Series,” says Brewers manager Pat Murphy. “That’s what this whole thing’s about – to be in these environments as much as you can, keep your poise.”
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A look at our updated rankings:
Jacob Misiorowski is doused with Gatorade.
2. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)
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Kyle Harrison overcomes 10-run Vegas debacle to outpitch Cristopher Sánchez.
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Now 14-10 against AL East after winning series in Toronto.
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Alec Burleson having a first half worthy of MVP consideration, non-Ohtani division.
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Uhhh they just took a series off the Dodgers. This is getting alarming.
9. Philadelphia Phillies (-1)
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Adolis Garcia’s likely season-ending injury will have them scouring for outfielders on trade market.
What a week for Samad Taylor: First major league homer, nine hits, eight RBIs.
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Win three in a row for first time in five weeks.
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Should get that Big Dumper back this week.
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Gabriel Moreno’s hot streak means eight consecutive starts, six at catcher.
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8-1-1 over their last 10 series.
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Paul Skenes has given up eight home runs, nearly matching the 11 he yielded last season.
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Catcher Tyler Heineman designated for assignment as Brandon Valenzuela (seven homers, 115 adjusted OPS) proves worth during Alejandro Kirk’s absence.
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Corey Seager misses third straight game with “mild concussion symptoms.”
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Max Meyer goes 15 starts without a loss, longest streak to start season since…Tony Gonsolin in 2022.
19. Athletics (-)
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After 100-degree temperatures, a rock-hard infield and balls flying at altitude in Summerlin, Yolo County never looked so good.
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A homer in every game from Noelvi Marte can’t prevent fifth consecutive series loss.
21. Baltimore Orioles (-1)
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Nine-game West Coast swing seems to have a lot more sink than swim potential.
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22. Houston Astros (-1)
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Mike Burrows has highest batting average against (.297), second-most homers given up (18) in AL.
23. New York Mets (-)
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Sean Manaea graduates to starter; no opener necessary. “He’s earned it,” manager Carlos Mendoza says.
24. Minnesota Twins (-)
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Outfield prospect Tyler Fedko getting big league call-up.
25. Boston Red Sox (-)
26. Detroit Tigers (-)
27. Kansas City Royals (+1)
28. Los Angeles Angels (+1)
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Another physical malady strikes Grayson Rodriguez, as he leaves start with back injury.
29. San Francisco Giants (-2)
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Pitching staff ranks 22nd with 4.52 ERA. Not much Pride, indeed.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings:Brewers Misiorowski rise in NL standings
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