Brewers' Kyle Harrison Ties Franchise Strikeout Record in First Two Starts

The 24-year-old left-hander has 14 strikeouts, matching a mark set by former Brewers ace CC Sabathia.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:18am

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In his first two starts with the Milwaukee Brewers, 24-year-old left-hander Kyle Harrison has recorded 14 strikeouts, tying a franchise record for most by a Brewers starter in their first two games with the team. Harrison, who was acquired from the Boston Red Sox prior to the season, has impressed with his stuff and poise, keeping the Brewers in contention in both of his outings so far.

Why it matters

Harrison's early success has validated the Brewers' decision to acquire the former top prospect, who has struggled with consistency at the major league level. If he can maintain this level of performance, Harrison could develop into a long-term difference-maker for a Brewers team looking to return to the playoffs.

The details

In his second start on Easter Sunday, Harrison struck out six Kansas City Royals batters over 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk. Despite a couple of hiccups, including a two-run home run, Harrison kept the Brewers in the game, handing off a 4-2 lead to the bullpen. His bread-and-butter four-seam fastball was the key, accounting for five of his six strikeouts.

  • On April 5, 2026, Harrison made his first start for the Brewers, going five innings and striking out eight in a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • On April 9, 2026, Harrison struck out six Royals batters over 5 1/3 innings in an 8-5 Brewers win.

The players

Kyle Harrison

A 24-year-old left-handed pitcher who was acquired by the Brewers from the Boston Red Sox prior to the start of the 2026 season.

CC Sabathia

A former Brewers ace who held the franchise record for most strikeouts by a left-handed starter in their first two games with the team, which Harrison has now tied.

Pat Murphy

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, who has expressed optimism about Harrison's potential to become a difference-maker for the team.

Luis Matos

An outfielder recently acquired by the Brewers, who made a key defensive play in Sunday's game to throw out a runner at the plate and preserve the Brewers' lead.

Sal Frelick

A Brewers outfielder who was out of the lineup on Sunday due to a tight side and back issue, but is expected to be back soon.

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What they’re saying

“I think everyone has known that this kid's got a chance to be pretty damn good. So, yeah, he's showing me something. He's got a long ways to go and he knows it, and it'll be fun.”

— Pat Murphy, Manager

“That's where we start. All my pitches tunnel off the fastball, and it's important to get ahead in counts and attack these hitters and try to get into the dugout as quick as possible.”

— Kyle Harrison

“He kept his composure. Even when he gave up a couple runs, had a couple hiccups, he stuck in there and pitched into the sixth inning, which I thought was wonderful. Tough luck when the ball hit the bag. But he pitched really good.”

— Pat Murphy, Manager

“I'm doing the best I can each and every day trying to be the best version of myself. That's all I can do, is go out and execute pitches and making sure my work in between starts is setting me up for that.”

— Kyle Harrison

What’s next

The Brewers will continue to closely monitor Harrison's progress as he looks to build on his strong start to the season. With Sal Frelick expected to return soon, the team will have some decisions to make regarding their outfield alignment.

The takeaway

Kyle Harrison's early success with the Brewers has been a promising sign for the team, as they look to the young left-hander to potentially develop into a long-term rotation anchor. His ability to match a franchise record held by former Brewers great CC Sabathia underscores his potential, and the Brewers will be hoping he can maintain this level of performance throughout the season.