The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 on Oct. 23 in Game 1 of the 2026 World Series. Milwaukee scored two runs in the first inning and took a 1-0 lead in the championship series. Both teams are pursuing the first championship in their respective franchise histories.
The Tampa Bay Rays created late drama after an apparent game-ending double play was overturned. The ruling allowed a run to score and cut Milwaukee’s lead to one. The Brewers held on to secure the opening victory.
Jacob Misiorowski Sets World Series Velocity Record for Milwaukee Brewers
Jacob Misiorowski made World Series history with the first pitch of the game. The Milwaukee Brewers pitcher threw at 103.5 mph, setting the record for the fastest pitch in a World Series game. Misiorowski also became the youngest pitcher to win Game 1 of the World Series since 1997.
Misiorowski handed Milwaukee a lead for its high-leverage relievers. Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill worked in relief for the Brewers. Their availability became especially important in a one-run game that remained unsettled into the ninth inning.
William Contreras Gives Milwaukee Brewers Offensive and Defensive Lift
William Contreras delivered a major all-around contribution for the Milwaukee Brewers. His first-inning single drove in a run, and he later added a walk and another single. His work at the plate helped Milwaukee build the early advantage.
Contreras also cut down two Tampa Bay Rays would-be base stealers. One of those plays completed the back end of a strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play. His defensive work added to the Brewers’ efforts in a game decided by one run.
Milwaukee Brewers Continue Strong Playoff Run Prevention
The Milwaukee Brewers’ staff ERA is 2.03 through nine playoff games. The figure reflects the work of the pitching staff and the defense behind it. Milwaukee’s run prevention helped preserve its early lead against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Brewers now have an opportunity to take a 2-0 series lead. Tampa Bay will try to even the World Series in Game 2 after coming within one run of tying the opener. The Rays are attempting to avoid falling into a 2-0 series hole.
Drew Rasmussen Set to Start Game 2 for Tampa Bay Rays
Drew Rasmussen is scheduled to start Game 2 for the Tampa Bay Rays. He has a 1.29 ERA in 21 innings across three postseason starts and has pitched at least six innings in each outing. The Rays gave Rasmussen an extra day of rest before his start.
Rasmussen allowed two runs, one earned, over five innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 1. Milwaukee is expected to use Logan Henderson in Game 2. Henderson struggled some in his last outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, according to the supplied game coverage.
FSB Take
The Milwaukee Brewers gained the early World Series edge through first-inning scoring, Jacob Misiorowski’s record-setting velocity and William Contreras’ two-way impact. Tampa Bay’s overturned ninth-inning double play showed how quickly a one-run game can change. Milwaukee’s relief work and defensive execution allowed the Brewers to protect the 3-2 victory.
Game 2 will center on whether Drew Rasmussen can give the Tampa Bay Rays the length they need to even the series. The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to Logan Henderson while trying to build on their 1-0 advantage. With both teams seeking their first championship, the opening game provided little separation between the clubs.
The result gives Milwaukee an important early lead without resolving the larger series matchup. Tampa Bay still has an opportunity to answer immediately in Game 2. The Brewers’ 2.03 staff ERA through nine playoff games will remain a central part of the series context.
Source: Original report