Brewers Hold Off Rays 3 to 2 in World Series Game 1

Milwaukee claimed a 1 to 0 lead in the 2026 World Series on October 23, 2026, defeating Tampa Bay 3 to 2 in front of 43,250 fans at American Family Field [1] [2]. The victory relied on early run production, timely defense, and twelve outs recorded by three relievers after starter Jacob Misiorowski completed five innings [1] [3]. Early Offense and Starting Pitching Lines Milwaukee built an immediate lead against Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez during the first inning [2] [3]. Jackson Chourio opened with a single [2] [3]. Christian Yelich followed with a run scoring triple, and William Contreras drove in Yelich with a single to give Milwaukee a 2 to 0 advantage [2] [3]. Martinez settled into the contest after the opening frame, finishing with five innings pitched, five hits allowed, two earned runs, zero walks, and five strikeouts across 73 pitches as the losing pitcher [3]. Misiorowski worked five frames to earn the win for Milwaukee, yielding one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out three batters across 78 pitches [3]. Tampa Bay created its first run in the fourth inning after Junior Caminero doubled to put Jonathan Aranda in scoring position [2] [3]. Liam Hicks drove in Aranda on an infield groundout, cutting the deficit to 2 to 1 [2] [3]. Milwaukee answered in the bottom of the seventh inning when Chourio singled to bring home Pratt, extending the margin to 3 to 1 [2] [3]. For the full contest, Milwaukee finished 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position, while Tampa Bay finished 0 for 6 in those situations [3]. Contreras added to his two hit night by completing two caught stealing throws on defense and two successful ABS challenges [3]. Bullpen Work Preceding the Final Frame Milwaukee handed the ball to its relief corps starting in the top of the sixth inning [1] [3]. Abner Uribe collected four outs, yielding one hit and zero runs with two strikeouts [1] [3]. Left handed pitcher Aaron Ashby took over to retire five consecutive batters, striking out three without conceding a hit or walk [1] [3]. MLB reported that Ashby extended his postseason streak to 14 consecutive scoreless innings [1]. Across the 2026 regular season sample, the Milwaukee bullpen recorded a National League leading 3.40 earned run average [1]. In the 2026 postseason sample through Game 1, the relief group recorded seven earned runs across 44 2/3 innings, equaling a 1.41 earned run average [1]. The pitching plan carried Milwaukee into the final frame with a two run margin before Trevor Megill took the mound [1] [3]. Replay Drama in the Ninth Inning Megill entered in the top of the ninth inning to protect the 3 to 1 lead, seeking his fifth save of the postseason [3]. Tampa Bay mounted pressure immediately [1]. Two singles, a double steal, and a walk loaded the bases with one out [1]. Hicks hit an infield grounder to Brice Turang, who threw to Pratt at second base, with Pratt relaying the throw to Jake Bauers at first base [3]. Umpires initially signaled a game ending double play [1]. Replay review altered the situation before the game concluded [1] [3]. Video evidence established that Pratt's foot left second base, overturning the force out there, while the out at first base was upheld [1] [3]. The play allowed Mateo to cross the plate, making the score 3 to 2, while Chandler Simpson reached third base and Caminero advanced to second base with two outs [3]. The replay overturned the force out and updated the baserunner positions, leaving the final outcome undecided until Megill faced Jonny DeLuca with runners on second and third [1] [3]. Megill reached a 2 to 1 count before delivering two consecutive knuckle curves to strike out DeLuca and seal the win [1] [3]. Megill noted afterward that a reliever must plan for Plan B and attack the next hitter in pressure situations [1]. SBA Takeaway Milwaukee won the opener, but the route to the final matters more than a clean bullpen headline. The relievers covered four innings, and Megill allowed a run before recording the last out. A low postseason ERA did not remove the ninth inning danger. Replay changed the outs and runner positions, so the apparent final play was not the actual end of the game. [1] [3] Tampa Bay finished 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position and still scored twice through Hicks groundouts. That is a reminder to separate a hitting split from the full scoring record. Game 1 is now a completed result and Milwaukee leads the series 1 to 0. It does not supply a price or a prediction for Game 2. [2] [3] Sources - [1] MLB: Crew bullpen survives late drama in Game 1 - [2] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers survive tense ninth inning - [3] MLB Gameday: Rays 2, Brewers 3 final box score Related Reading - Rays Confirm Nick Martinez for World Series Game 1 - Caminero's Fastball Test Needs More Than a Home Run - Brewers Sweep Dodgers and Reach First World Series Since 1982