Excitement in Milwaukee as Fans Gather for Brewers vs. Pirates Showdown

MILWAUKEE — Scott and Pat Szalanski from Franklin, Wisconsin, had long purchased tickets for the Brewers’ Wednesday afternoon game against the Pirates. These tickets were a birthday gift for their grandson Ryan, who turns 14 during the Brewers’ upcoming road trip.

Unbeknownst to them, they had secured some of the most coveted tickets in the city.

The highly anticipated pitching duel between young stars Paul Skenes and Jacob Misiorowski generated an enthusiasm and attendance that rivaled even Opening Day in Milwaukee. American Family Field was packed with fans, standing room only for a weekday afternoon in June.

“When I learned who would be pitching,” said Pat, “I immediately called Ryan. ‘We’re going to see him pitch!’”

The “him” in question was Misiorowski, the Brewers’ impressive 6-foot-7 top pitching prospect, who began his Major League career dominating with triple-digit fastballs and 11 hitless innings over his first two starts against the Cardinals and Twins. He was slated to face off against the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, Skenes.

As soon as this matchup became official, ticket sales skyrocketed. By that Sunday afternoon, the Brewers reported pre-sales of about 26,000 for the game, with expectations of around 30,000 attendees, according to Rick Schlesinger, the Brewers’ president of business operations. Ultimately, the final attendance reached 42,774, the highest of the season in Milwaukee, surpassing the home opener and any games against the Cubs.

In the game, it was Misiorowski who outperformed Skenes, giving up just two hits and striking out a career-high eight batters in five innings. In contrast, Skenes allowed four runs over four innings.