Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy held ace Jacob Misiorowski out of Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday night, choosing to save the right-hander for a potential clincher in Game 5 instead of using him in extra innings.
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings at Tropicana Field, forcing the series to continue. Milwaukee carried a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the 12th before the Rays rallied against reliever Shane Drohan, who allowed the tying and winning runs.
Drohan’s postseason earned run average climbed to 18.00 after the appearance, as the left-hander struggled to protect the slim advantage. Many Brewers fans had hoped Murphy would turn to Misiorowski in that high-leverage spot out of the bullpen rather than sticking with Drohan.
Murphy explained the decision after the game.
“Pat Murphy said Jacob Misiorowski was not an option he wanted to burn in a one-run game in extra innings with a 3-0 series lead. Misiorowski will start Game 5,” reporter Curt Hogg posted.
The Brewers entered Game 4 with a three-games-to-none series lead and now hold a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-seven matchup. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night back at Tropicana Field.
Misiorowski finished the regular season with a 16-5 record and a 1.80 ERA, ranking among the best marks in baseball. He struck out 252 batters over 174 2/3 innings while posting a 0.80 WHIP in 30 starts, and the Brewers won each of his final nine regular-season outings.
Murphy had to balance the opportunity to close out the series immediately against the need to have his top starter available the following night on regular rest. The contest remained tight through nine innings before reaching extras, where Drohan entered with the one-run lead and could not hold it.
Misiorowski is lined up to start Game 5, keeping the Brewers’ ace in reserve for what could be a decisive outing. The series stays in Tampa for the fifth game as the Rays keep their season alive.
Brewers supporters expressed frustration online over the unused option after the loss, questioning why the team’s strongest pitcher did not enter with the game on the line. Murphy indicated he preferred not to risk burning Misiorowski given the series lead heading into the extra frames.
The Rays completed their late comeback to even the momentum and avoid a sweep. Misiorowski’s dominance throughout the year made him the preferred choice for many observers in that spot, yet the manager prioritized the longer view of the series.
The Brewers remain one victory away from claiming their first World Series championship. With Misiorowski set for Game 5, Milwaukee still holds a strong position to finish the job despite Tuesday’s setback in extras.
Drohan’s struggles highlighted the contrast with the ace who stayed in the bullpen unused. The decision keeps the focus on Wednesday night, when Misiorowski will take the mound with a chance to deliver the clincher on regular rest.
