The Milwaukee Brewers waited 44 years to return to the World Series. On Friday night, they nearly had to celebrate their first victory twice.
Milwaukee defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3–2 in Game 1 of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field, surviving a bizarre ninth inning that saw an apparent game-ending double play overturned by replay review.
The Brewers lead the best-of-seven series 1–0, but their opening victory was anything but comfortable.
Milwaukee Strikes Early
Christian Yelich wasted little time energizing the home crowd, driving an RBI triple into right-center field in the first inning. William Contreras followed with a run-scoring single, giving Milwaukee a 2–0 advantage.
The early support was enough for Jacob Misiorowski, who delivered five strong innings in his World Series debut.
The 24-year-old right-hander allowed one run on four hits while striking out three. He also made history with his first pitch, a 103.5 mph fastball to Yandy Díaz that established a World Series velocity record.
Tampa Bay cut the deficit to 2–1 in the fourth inning, but Milwaukee’s pitching staff prevented further damage.
Jackson Chourio provided a crucial insurance run in the seventh, extending the Brewers’ lead to 3–1.
A Ninth Inning Nobody Will Forget
Milwaukee appeared to have secured the victory when Liam Hicks grounded into what looked like a game-ending double play with the bases loaded.
The Brewers began celebrating. Fireworks erupted.
Then came the replay.
Officials determined that shortstop Cooper Pratt’s foot had come off second base before he completed the force play. The ruling was overturned, allowing a Tampa Bay run to score and cutting Milwaukee’s lead to 3–2.
Instead of celebrating, the Brewers suddenly faced runners on second and third with two outs.
Closer Trevor Megill recovered, striking out Jonny DeLuca swinging to preserve the victory.
It was an extraordinary finish to the first World Series game played in Milwaukee since 1982.
Defense Makes the Difference
Contreras played a significant role beyond his first-inning RBI single. The Brewers catcher threw out two Tampa Bay runners attempting to steal, helping eliminate potential scoring opportunities.
The Rays finished 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, a costly statistic in a game decided by one run.
Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez allowed two earned runs over five innings and took the loss. Milwaukee’s bullpen covered the final four innings, with Megill earning the save.
The win gives the Brewers an early advantage in a matchup featuring two franchises still seeking their first World Series championship.
World Series Standings and What’s Next
Milwaukee leads the World Series 1–0 and needs three more victories to claim the championship. Tampa Bay must win four of the remaining six potential games.
Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m. CT at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Drew Rasmussen is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay against Milwaukee’s Logan Henderson. FOX will televise the game, with streaming available through FOX One.
The Rays will try to even the series before it shifts to St. Petersburg for Game 3 on Monday.
