The Rockies’ Tyler Freeman took the brunt of Brewers star pitcher Jacob Misiorowski’s record-setting night on the mound Saturday.
In the sixth inning of the Rockies’ 7-1 loss to Milwaukee, Freeman absorbed a 98.2 mph cutter that knocked off his batting helmet. He doubled over for a moment before a trainer promptly came out of the dugout to check on him.
Freeman was immediately removed from the game, but manager Warren Schaeffer and his Rockies teammates assured that the utility player was fine.
“They were talking about amputating his head, but I think they advised against that,” outfielder Troy Johnston joked to reporters. “Other than that, he’s fine, seems in good spirits.
At Coors Field, Misiorowski set a new record with 45 pitches reaching at least 101 mph. His 52 pitches of at least 100 mph was exceeded in this era only by the 57 he unloaded on May 25 against the Cardinals.
Misiorowski, a 24-year-old in his second MLB season, is an early candidate for the National League Cy Young with his 1.50 ERA. He’s played a key role in the Brewers’ considerable lead at the top of the NL Central.
Hitting Freeman seemingly rattled Misiorowski, who went on to walk Hunter Goodman and load the bases. The Rockies, however, were not able to capitalize on the opportunity.
Freeman was still being evaluated postgame and was not made available to the media.
“Obviously I don’t want that to happen … lost the ball, lost grip on it,” Misiorowski told reporters. “Obviously, not aiming for him. There’s also the moment, I’m standing behind the mound trying to pray for him a little bit.”
