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World Series Game 3 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (2-0) @ Tampa Bay Rays (0-2)
The Brewers head into Game 3 of the 2026 World Series with a 2‑0 lead over the Rays, aiming to extend their seven‑game winning streak. Freddy Peralta, the former Milwaukee ace now with Tampa Bay, will start for the Rays, while rookie reliever Robert Gasser gets the opening slot for Milwaukee. Wisconsin fans dominate ticket sales, with roughly 30% of tickets for Games 3‑4 bought by Wisconsinites. Brewers hitters are confident—William Contreras is batting .500 against Peralta and Jackson Chourio .444 with two steals. Meanwhile, Rays manager Kevin Cash benches Jonathan Aranda, inserting Ryan Vilade as a replacement. The game debuts at 7 p.m. on the East Coast, broadcast on FOX and streamed via WTMJ.
Brewers postseason Breaking T shirts thread
Brewers fan site Brew Crew Ball announces a dedicated thread for Breaking T's new postseason shirts, featuring designs that celebrate key moments from the 2026 NL championship run. Highlights include the Milwaukee Barrel Co. shirt honoring the pennant and World Series berth, a "Win Our Way" tee with Jacob Misiorowski, William Contreras and Brice Turang, and many "Wear the Moment™" pieces spotlighting Jake Bauers' marathon at-bats, Garrett Mitchell's clutch catch, Jackson Chourio’s walk‑off single, and Sal Frelick’s winning run. All apparel is MLB‑licensed, made in the USA, and available with free returns.
Brewers Notes: What Pat Murphy, Aaron Ashby, & Brice Turang had to say during the World Series off day
After the Brewers clinched Games 1 and 2 at home, manager Pat Murphy, pitcher Aaron Ashby and outfielder Brice Turang fielded questions on the off‑day before heading to St. Petersburg for Games 3‑5. Murphy discussed the league’s check‑swing review after Yandy Díaz’s controversial call, shared insights from veteran managers on handling a week‑long layoff, and emphasized keeping the team focused on the present despite a 2‑0 lead. Ashby reflected on his World Series start, while Turang highlighted the clubhouse energy and the need for the players to stay competitive. The trio’s comments set the tone for Milwaukee’s next challenge against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Down, but not out: Brewers’ plate approach launches them to success
In Game 2 of the 2026 World Series, the Milwaukee Brewers edged the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4, moving within two wins of ending a 69‑year championship drought. The victory hinges on a relentless offensive approach—longer at‑bats that wore down Rays pitchers—and a dominant bullpen, highlighted by Aaron Ashby’s 15.2 postseason innings, five hits and 17 strikeouts, now second‑only to Andrew Miller’s record for consecutive scoreless postseason innings. Key contributors include Jackson Chourio, Nick Bauers and Christian Yelich, who each extended rallies with six‑plus‑pitch plates, while the bullpen kept the pressure high. The Brewers’ methodical, small‑ball strategy appears to be the engine driving their World Series run.
Brewers Notes: Pat Murphy, Sal Frelick, and Cooper Pratt on World Series Game 2 victory
The Brewers rally from a 4-0 hole to beat the Rays 5-4 in Game 2 of the 2026 World Series, taking a 2-0 lead. Manager Pat Murphy praised rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt, who erased his early error with a go‑ahead RBI single in the seventh, and highlighted Sal Frelick’s game‑tying solo homer in the sixth. Murphy also lauded Brice Turang’s four quality at‑bats, William Contreras’s first‑inning RBI, and reliever Aaron Ashby’s Goose Gossage‑style 1 2/3‑inning finish. He addressed starter Logan Henderson’s shaky start and noted the team’s relentless “never give up” mentality. Frelick and Pratt shared insights on their key at‑bats.
Brewers erase four-run deficit, take 2-0 World Series lead
The Milwaukee Brewers rallied from a 4-0 deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 in Game Two of the 2026 World Series, seizing a 2-0 series lead. After a shaky start—Logan Henderson gave up four early runs—Jackson Chourio’s single, William Contreras’s RBI hit, and a clutch three‑run rally sparked by Sal Frelick’s sixth‑inning solo homer turned the tide. Garrett Mitchell’s 112‑mph single and timely baserunning capped the comeback. Pitcher Drew Rasmussen, the postseason’s top starter, battled the Brewers but couldn’t hold the lead, while Milwaukee’s offense proved relentless.
World Series Game 2 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (1-0) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (0-1)
The 2026 World Series opens with the Brewers edging the Rays 1-0 despite a ninth‑inning rally and a shaky outing from Trevor Megill. Game 2 sees Tampa Bay ace Drew Rasmussen, the postseason’s most dominant starter (1.29 ERA, 23 K, 3 BB), take the mound after an extra day’s rest, while Milwaukee counters with Logan Henderson, who posted a 2.47 ERA in the regular season but has struggled in the playoffs (six runs over two starts). Both managers stick with their lineups, with the Rays inserting hot‑hitting Richie Palacios at second. The game tips off at 7:15 pm on Fox.
Brewers Notes: Pat Murphy, Jacob Misiorowski, & more on World Series Game 1 victory
Brewers manager Pat Murphy hails catcher William Contreras as the game‑one MVP of the 2026 World Series, praising his defensive work, pitch calling and clutch hits. He also credits Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich, the bullpen and rookie right‑hander Jacob Misiorowski, who tossed five solid innings with just three strikeouts before exiting after 78 pitches. Murphy discusses the controversial overturned second‑base call and the importance of accurate reviews. Misiorowski describes the electric atmosphere at American Family Field and says he’d love to throw 130 pitches if needed.
Chourio, Contreras lift Brewers to gritty Game 1 World Series win over Rays
The Milwaukee Brewers capture a 3-2 win in Game 1 of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field, their first home series in 44 years. Christian Yelich opens the scoring with a triple, followed by William Contreras’ two‑run double to make it 2-0. After a quiet middle stretch, the Rays cut it to 2-1, but Jackson Chourio delivers a clutch RBI single in the seventh to restore a three‑run lead. Reliever Abner Uribe shuts down Tampa Bay in the final 1⅓ innings, securing the Brewers’ gritty victory over the Rays.
World Series Game 1 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (0-0)
Game 1 of the 2026 World Series pits the Milwaukee Brewers (103‑59) against the Tampa Bay Rays (A.L. East champs) at American Family Field on Oct. 22. Both clubs chase their first title—Milwaukee’s first since 1982, Tampa Bay’s first after 2008 and 2020 appearances. Starting pitchers: Jacob Misiorowski for the Brewers (who has won his postseason Game 1 starts despite fatigue) and Nick Martinez for the Rays (3.10 ERA, strong postseason outings). Veteran Brandon Woodruff returns to the 26‑man roster but sits out the opener. Lineups feature leadoff Jackson Chourio, Yandy Diaz/Jonathan Aranda for Tampa, and power threats William Contreras and Junior Caminero. The stage is set for a historic series.
Brewers, Rays announce World Series rosters
The Brewers have taken a gamble on recovering right‑hander Brandon Woodruff, adding him to the World Series roster in place of unused reliever Chad Patrick. Woodruff, who missed the season after a shoulder setback on July 4, is now cleared to pitch, though a re‑injury could leave Milwaukee short. Milwaukee’s 26‑player roster features catchers William Contreras and Gary Sánchez, a six‑man infield, five outfield/DH options including Christian Yelich, and 13 pitchers led by Trevor Megill, Aaron Ashby and JoJo Romero. The Rays announce a 24‑player squad with left‑handed specialist Garrett Cleavinger joining a stable of 12 pitchers. Both clubs must balance right‑handed power versus left‑handed matchups as the series begins in Milwaukee on Oct. 23, 2026.
Join us for the 2026 World Series on the SB Nation app
SB Nation launches its new app, now live in North America with global expansion underway. The app centralizes community posts, offers a fast game‑chat for real‑time reactions, and delivers quicker comment notifications—features tested during the 2026 postseason, including the NLCS Brewers vs. Dodgers. Single‑day commenting records have been broken three times since release. Readers can browse traditional articles or jump straight into live game discussions on iOS or Android, making every home run, stolen base, and strikeout more interactive.
Bernie’s Dugout Open Thread: 10/23-10/29
The Brew Crew Ball community launches an open thread for the World Series kickoff on Oct. 23, 2026, as the Milwaukee Brewers face the Tampa Bay Rays at home in their first franchise‑ever title chance. The post invites fans to discuss anything—from baseball to video games—while noting a helmet photo from a 2024 game at Oracle Park. Moderated, light‑hearted conversation is encouraged as the series begins.
“Just one before I die”
The author reflects on a multigenerational love for the Milwaukee Brewers, sparked by a 2025 NLCS first‑pitch ceremony featuring Hall of Famer Robin Yount. He recounts his dad’s childhood fandom of the 1970s‑80s Brewers, their 1982 pennant run, and the ensuing drought until the modern era’s stars like Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Rickie Weeks—highlighted by a 2007 walk‑off win—rekindled his family's devotion. The narrative weaves personal memories, key trades (e.g., CC Sabathia), and repeated near‑misses, underscoring the enduring hope that the Brewers will one day return to the World Series.
2026 World Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The 2026 World Series pits two first‑time champions—the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays—against each other for the first time since 1980. The Rays, posting a league‑best 98‑64 record after a Hurricane‑forced 2025 move, swept the Yankees in the ALDS and won the ALCS in six games. Manager Kevin Cash’s roster blends savvy trades (closer Bryan Baker, MVP‑candidate Junior Caminero) and key free‑agent signings (Nick Martinez, Cedric Mullins). Their postseason pitching shines: Drew Rasmussen (1.29 ERA), ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta (1.08 ERA), and Baker’s perfect 0.00 ERA with 41 regular‑season saves. Offensively, Caminero, Yandy Díaz (.308/.341/.564) and speedster Chandler Simpson lead the charge. Milwaukee’s path is less detailed here, but the matchup guarantees a franchise’s first championship.
Brewers to host watch parties for Games 3 & 4 at American Family Field
The Milwaukee Brewers will host watch parties for NLCS Games 3 and 4 at American Family Field on Monday, Oct. 26 and Tuesday, Oct. 27, both kicking off at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets are $15, with sales opening to the public on Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. CT; fans can buy up to six tickets each. Parking is $15 in preferred lots or $10 in general, and attendees get access to food, beverage stations, interactive activities, mascots, entertainment and team stores. Details and ticket links are on brewers.com/postseason.
History will be made in this World Series: Either the Brewers or Rays will win their first title
The 2026 World Series pits two franchise first‑timers against each other—the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays—each chasing their inaugural championship. After ousting the Padres and Dodgers, the Brewers now face the Rays, who also have never won a title. The article traces both clubs' parallel histories since the 1998 league realignment that moved the Brewers to the NL, highlighting early successes in 2008, subsequent rebuilding periods, and their recent postseason resurgence. The matchup promises historic stakes as one team will finally break its championship drought.
The ties between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 World Series
The 2026 World Series pits two first‑time champions—Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays—together, and both clubs share surprising personnel links. Former Ray Jake Bauers, now a Brewers slugger, posted a career‑best .266/.389/.484 line with 26 homers and NLCS MVP honors. Pitcher Freddy Peralta, a Milwaukee ace, was traded to the Mets before landing in Tampa Bay, where he earned ALCS MVP after a dominant October run. Additionally, Rays right‑hander Drew Rasmussen was originally drafted by Milwaukee. The article maps these crossover careers, highlighting how analytics‑driven, small‑market teams have intertwined paths leading to baseball’s biggest stage.
A position-by-position breakdown of Brewers vs. Rays
The Brew Crew Ball preview dissects the World Series matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, highlighting their parallel histories, market constraints, and managerial pedigrees. Managers Pat Murphy (who could claim a third straight Manager of the Year) and Kevin Cash (a two‑time award winner and analytics pioneer) dominate the narrative. Position‑by‑position analysis favors the Brewers at catcher, citing William Contreras' hot postseason numbers over the Rays’ Liam Hicks, while first base sees Jake Bauers earning the edge after a standout NLCS MVP performance and disciplined walk rate. The piece underscores the series’ potential to shake up MLB’s payroll dynamics and adds depth on key hitters and strategic contrasts.
Recapping the Rays-Guardians 2026 ALCS
The Tampa Bay Rays clinch the 2026 ALCS in six games, earning their first pennant since 2020 and third overall. After falling behind 2-1 in the series, the Rays rally with key contributions from former Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta, who is named ALCS MVP after three dominant outings. Highlights include Junior Caminero’s two‑run homer in Game 6, Yandy Díaz’s ninth‑inning knockout blast in Game 4, and strong starts from Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez and Parker Messick. The Guardians, who led early with wins in Games 1 and 3, fall short despite solid outings from Gavin Williams and a balanced bullpen. The series ends 4‑2, setting up a small‑market World Series showdown.
Checking in on the Brewers’ Arizona Fall League prospects
A week into the Arizona Fall League, the Brewers have nine prospects with the Scottsdale Scorpions showcasing mixed results. First‑rounder Braylon Payne (6‑for‑27) still shows power with two triples but has struck out ten times. Eric Bitonti (5‑for‑30) adds a walk‑rate boost and his first AFL homer at 110 mph. Jett Williams (3‑for‑27) struggles after a wrist injury, while Matthew Wood shines with a .667 OBP in 21 PA, building on a 15‑HR Double‑A season. On the mound, Joshua Quezada fanned five in three innings, Miqueas Mercedes (6 2/3 IP) wrestles control with eight walks, and lefty Jose Meneses (2 1/3 IP) remains hitless but wild. Ryan Birchard (3 2/3 IP) tallies seven Ks, and Peyton Niksch (6 2/3 IP) allows just two solo homers while striking out eight.
Jake Bauers vs. Blake Snell: A Breakdown
In Game 3 of the 2026 NLCS, Milwaukee’s Jake Bauers powers a go‑ahead two‑run homer off Blake Snell after an 11‑pitch battle, capping a standout series performance. The article dissects Snell’s four‑seam fastball (97‑98 mph, high rise), changeup, slider and elite curveball—each a swing‑and‑miss pitch with zone‑edge control that usually forces weak contact or walks. Despite Snell’s low zone‑rate and 99 walks in 2023, Bauers exploits a 89.4‑mph slider, an 83.8‑mph changeup, and other offerings to time a decisive swing. The breakdown highlights why Bauers’ feat is notable against a two‑time Cy Young ace.
The Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff Dilemma: Will the veteran ace pitch in the World Series?
After two shoulder surgeries in three years, Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff avoided a third operation and began a rapid five‑week throwing program that could see him back for the World Series. With the Brewers clinching a berth for the first time in 44 years, manager Pat Murphy faces a dilemma: risk the veteran who hasn’t pitched since July 4 in the championship game or stick with unused postseason arms. Woodruff threw a 31‑pitch high‑intensity bullpen session in Los Angeles, showing good stuff, and both the pitcher and the organization are eager for a storybook return. The article weighs the odds and potential impact of his possible World Series debut.
Every position player’s top moment from the NLCS
The Brewers’ sweep of the Dodgers in the NLCS was a complete team effort. While there were heroes in each game and throughout the series, almost every position player stepped up at some point in the series and made a big play for the team. Let’s take a look at each position player’s contribution in […]
Aaron Ashby is on a historic heater
Aaron Ashby did not have his best season in 2026. He pitched a ton: he tied for sixth in the league in appearances, and only Houston’s AJ Blubaugh surpassed his 87 bullpen innings this season (Ashby added another 2 1/3 innings in one appearance as an opener). Ashby’s 89 1/3 total innings are his most […]