Game 1 of the 2026 World Series is in the books — and it even included some ninth-inning drama.
With both teams playing for the first championship in their respective franchise’s history, the Milwaukee Brewers came out swinging Friday, scoring two runs in the first inning and riding that early lead to a series-opening win over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays had a chance in the ninth, cutting the Brewers’ lead to just one when a run scored after what appeared to be a game-ending double play was overturned.
It wasn’t just Milwaukee’s bats that impressed out of the gate, as ace Jacob Misiorowski made history on the first pitch of the game, setting a record for the fastest pitch in a World Series game at 103.5 mph. With the win, he also became the youngest pitcher to win Game 1 of the World Series since 1997.
We’ve got you covered with all the in-game action, as well as postgame takeaways from Milwaukee.
Key links: How to win World Series | Playoff MVP tracker | Full schedule
Takeaways
Milwaukee leads series 1-0
It was over when … Misiorowski handed a lead to his bullpen. Sure, the score was 2-1 and the Rays are good in close games — and in a vacuum, things could go either way. But you do not want to be trailing right now against Milwaukee’s high-leverage relievers. That was especially true in Game 1, when Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill were working with plenty of rest.
Game 1 star: It won’t show up on a win probability chart this way, but William Contreras had a huge first game with the bat and in the field. His first-inning single drove in a run, and then he later walked and singled. Behind the plate, he made all the right yes/no calls on challenges, cut down two Rays would-be base stealers, one finishing the backend of a strike-em-out-throw-em-out double play. Let’s give Game 1 to Contreras.
The stat that defined the game: 2.03. That’s the Milwaukee staff ERA through nine playoff games. The bullpen has gotten the attention and deservedly so, but it’s not like the starters have gotten shelled. And don’t overlook the Brewers’ defense regarding that number, either. It’s really hard to score against either of these teams — but in October, Milwaukee’s run prevention has been all but flawless. — Bradford Doolittle
What’s next for the Brewers: If momentum is all about the next day’s starter, then the Brewers don’t necessarily have it all going for them entering Game 2. In his last outing, Logan Henderson struggled some against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, and few pitchers have been better than the Rays’ Drew Rasmussen right now. The Brewers will have their hands full attempting to go up 2-0 in the Series. — Jesse Rogers
What’s next for the Rays: The Rays will give the ball to Rasmussen, their ace, for Game 2. He will face the club that selected him in the sixth round of the 2018 draft. The right-hander allowed two runs (one earned) over five innings in his start against the Brewers on April 1. Fast-forward to October, and Rasmussen has been the best pitcher in the postseason, with a 1.29 ERA in 21 innings across three starts. The two-time All-Star has gone at least six innings in each outing. The Rays, who gave him an extra day of rest, are counting on another quality, lengthy start to avoid a 2-0 hole. — Jorge Castillo
