The Milwaukee Brewers took Game 1 of the 2026 World Series with a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field. The game featured late-game drama, historical pitching, and critical base-running errors that proved costly for the Rays.

The tone for the game was set immediately by Brewers' starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski. On the very first pitch of the World Series, Misiorowski delivered a 103.5 mph fastball to Yandy Diaz, setting the record for the fastest pitch in a World Series since tracking began in 2008, breaking Aroldis Chapman's 2016 record. Misiorowski pitched five innings, allowing only four hits and one earned run while striking out three.

The Brewers’ offense struck early, a trend they maintained throughout the season. In the bottom of the first inning, Christian Yelich drove a ball to right field, allowing Jackson Chourio to score. William Contreras followed up with a line drive past Taylor Walls, bringing Yelich home and giving Milwaukee a quick 2-0 lead.

The Rays struggled with base-running execution throughout the night. They were doubled off in the first inning and saw runners thrown out at third and second base in crucial moments. ESPN Radio analyst Jessica Mendoza attributed these outs to "poor execution," noting that while Tampa Bay is known for aggressive base-running, they pushed the needle too far and "created something where there is nothing."

Despite these mistakes, the Rays managed to cut the deficit to 2-1 and remained in the game until the end. The Brewers added a vital insurance run in the seventh inning when Chourio grounded a ball past the infield, scoring Cooper Pratt to make it 3-1.

The ninth inning brought significant drama. With Trevor Megill on the mound for the Brewers, the Rays put together a rally. A double steal by Jorge Mateo and Chandler Simpson put runners in scoring position. After loading the bases, Liam Hicks hit a grounder to second, which the Brewers turned into an apparent game-ending 4-6-3 double play. However, a challenge by Rays manager Kevin Cash revealed that Pratt's foot came off the bag at second base. The call was overturned, a run scored, and the game continued at 3-2 with runners on second and third and two outs. Megill refocused and struck out Jonny DeLuca to secure the final out and the Game 1 victory for Milwaukee.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the team didn't play a perfect game, citing mistakes in base-running and defense, but praised the team for coming out ready in the first inning. History favors the Brewers, as 77% of teams that win Game 1 over the last 30 seasons go on to win the World Series.

Game 2 is scheduled for October 25, 2026, at American Family Field.