Following the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday, Jacob Misiorowski revealed what has helped fuel his success.

Misiorowski told Jon Morosi from MLB Network that Milwaukee’s support helps him immensely.

He believes the fans may not fully understand how much their energy motivates him whenever he takes the mound.

“To have a city like this behind you, it helps immensely," Misiorowski said. "I don’t think these people realize it, but it fuels me.”

The 24-year-old ace has developed a strong relationship with the fan base following his breakout 2026 campaign, when he established himself as one of MLB’s premier flamethrowers.

Misiorowski finished the regular season leading MLB with a 1.80 ERA and 0.80 WHIP in 174.2 innings over 30 starts, recording 252 strikeouts. He is also the favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award.

Although Misiorowski did not have his best stuff during Game 1, Milwaukee’s bullpen delivered when needed by providing scoreless relief behind him.

The Dodgers forced Misiorowski to work and elevated his pitch count. He allowed one run on five hits with five strikeouts and three walks in 4.1 innings before leaving after throwing 94 pitches.

Misiorowski explained to Morosi that the excited crowd helped him continue battling.

During the second inning, he threw six consecutive balls as his command briefly disappeared. Milwaukee’s fans continued encouraging him throughout a difficult 35-pitch inning.

Misiorowski began the inning by throwing four consecutive balls to Shohei Ohtani, who drew a walk. He then opened Kyle Tucker’s plate appearance with two more balls before walking him as well.

Andy Pages followed with a single that gave Los Angeles a 1-0 lead. Misiorowski prevented further damage by getting Kiké Hernández to ground into an inning-ending double play.

Brice Turang tied the game with a home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Milwaukee then used efficient small ball in the fifth, with Luis Lara contributing a single as the Brewers secured Game 1 against the Dodgers.

Misiorowski’s outing demonstrated that his value extends beyond overpowering hitters when every pitch is working. He remained composed enough to escape a dangerous inning after losing his command and allowing Los Angeles to take the lead.

His ability to compete without his sharpest arsenal is especially important during the postseason. Dominant pitchers will inevitably face moments when their mechanics, control or rhythm become inconsistent.

Misiorowski did not allow frustration to completely take over. He trusted his defense, induced the double play and limited the damage until Milwaukee’s offense responded.

His connection with the fans also gives him another source of energy during difficult stretches. Rather than shrinking under the attention, Misiorowski embraces the atmosphere and uses it to regain focus.

That resilience helped Milwaukee survive his most difficult inning and ultimately protect its opportunity to win.