Brewers Edge Rays in Game 1 of 2026 World Series

The Milwaukee Brewers commenced the 2026 World Series with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 on Friday night. The win was a significant milestone for the Brewers, representing their first World Series triumph since 1982.

Brewers closer Trevor Megill closed out the game, striking out Jonny DeLuca with runners on second and third to escape a perilous ninth-inning situation. The tense finish came after an apparent game-ending double play was overturned following a replay review, which determined that Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt’s foot had momentarily come off the bag.

"You have a big range of emotions," said Milwaukee captain Christian Yelich. "It's a big credit to Trev for locking back in right there and making some huge pitches after you have that emotional dump and then have to get back on it."

Earlier in the game, Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski set a World Series record for the fastest pitch, delivering a 103.5 mph fastball on his first offering of the series to Tampa Bay's Yandy Díaz. Misiorowski, a 24-year-old right-hander who debuted in June 2025, allowed one run and four hits over five innings, recording three strikeouts and departing with a 2-1 lead.

Christian Yelich ignited a two-run rally in the first inning with an RBI triple, giving the Brewers an early advantage. Jackson Chourio and William Contreras each contributed two hits, with Contreras also throwing out two base runners attempting to steal. Contreras's performance behind the plate was crucial in stifling the Rays' offense.

The Game 1 winner has historically gone on to win the World Series 62.8 percent of the time.

Misiorowski's performance was marked by his exceptional velocity. He threw 38 pitches at or above 100 mph, surpassing the previous Series record of 24 pitches set by Aroldis Chapman in Game 5 of the 2016 World Series. Of those, 11 were 102 mph or higher, and three exceeded 103 mph. He generated seven swings and misses, five of which were on his fastball.

Tampa Bay managed to score a run in the fourth inning. Jonathan Aranda walked, advanced to third on Junior Caminero's double, and then scored on Liam Hicks' grounder to first base.

This World Series features two teams aiming for their first championship title, a rare occurrence last seen in 1980. The Brewers and Rays join the Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners as the only active major league franchises never to have won a World Series.

Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday night at 8 p.m. EST, with Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen set to pitch against Milwaukee's Logan Henderson at American Family Field.