Milwaukee Brewers 3,
Tampa Bay Rays 2
Friday, October 23 | American Family Field, Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Brewers opened the 2026 World Series with a dramatic 3–2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, surviving a tense ninth-inning rally to claim Game 1 and take an early lead in the championship series.
Milwaukee combined timely hitting, strong starting pitching and a late defensive escape to secure its first World Series victory since 1982.
First-inning fireworks set the tone
Milwaukee wasted little time putting pressure on Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez.
Jackson Chourio opened the scoring sequence, and Christian Yelich followed with an RBI triple to bring Chourio home.
William Contreras then delivered a run-scoring single, giving the Brewers a 2–0 advantage.
Martinez settled down after the opening inning, keeping the Rays within reach.
However, Milwaukee’s early offensive burst gave the home side the cushion it needed for the rest of the night.
Rays fight back in the fourth
Tampa Bay answered in the top of the fourth inning.
Jonathan Aranda drew a walk before Junior Caminero ripped a double to put runners in scoring position.
Liam Hicks grounded out to bring Aranda home, cutting Milwaukee’s lead to 2–1.
Caminero’s hard-hit double provided a spark, but Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski limited the damage and prevented the Rays from tying the game.
Misiorowski delivers a historic performance
Milwaukee starter Jacob Misiorowski was one of the night’s biggest stories.
He threw five innings, allowed four hits and one earned run, and struck out three. His first pitch registered 103.5 mph, setting a World Series record for pitch velocity in the pitch-tracking era, according to MLB.
Martinez also gave Tampa Bay a competitive outing, working five innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five.
The difference was Milwaukee’s ability to capitalize on its early scoring opportunities.
Chourio adds an insurance run
The Brewers extended their lead in the bottom of the seventh.
With Cooper Pratt on second base, Jackson Chourio singled home the runner to make it 3–1.
Chourio and Contreras each collected two hits, helping Milwaukee maintain offensive pressure without needing a big home run.
Contreras also made his presence felt defensively, throwing out two Rays attempting to steal bases.
Ninth-inning drama nearly changes everything
The closing inning delivered the game’s most dramatic sequence.
Milwaukee closer Trevor Megill faced a Tampa Bay rally that threatened to erase the Brewers’ advantage.
The Rays pushed across a run when Liam Hicks grounded out to score Jorge Mateo, cutting the deficit to 3–2.
An apparent game-ending double play was overturned following a replay review. Officials determined that Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt’s foot had come off second base as he received the throw from Brice Turang.
With runners on second and third, Megill recovered and struck out Jonny DeLuca to end the contest and preserve the Milwaukee victory.
Players of the game
Jacob Misiorowski — Brewers
Five innings, four hits allowed, one run and three strikeouts.
His overpowering fastball and composed outing established the foundation for Milwaukee’s win.
Christian Yelich — Brewers
His first-inning RBI triple helped put Milwaukee in control early and energized the home crowd.
Trevor Megill — Brewers
Despite the ninth-inning scare, Megill recorded the final out with a crucial strikeout to earn the save.
What Game 1 means
Milwaukee has seized the early advantage, but the narrow margin showed how quickly the momentum can change in October baseball.
The Brewers demonstrated they can manufacture runs, receive quality starting pitching and survive high-pressure situations.
For Tampa Bay, the late rally offered encouragement, but the Rays will need to convert more scoring opportunities and find a way to neutralize Milwaukee’s offense earlier in the game.
Series status: Brewers lead 1–0.
Final verdict: Milwaukee earned a hard-fought opening victory, but Tampa Bay pushed the Brewers to the brink in a ninth inning that made Game 1 an instant thriller.
Game 2 is scheduled for October 24 at American Family Field.
