MLB2 hours ago2 minute read

Brewers Hold On to Take Game 1 Victory Over Rays

Trevor Megill escaped a ninth inning jam to secure a 3-2 win for Milwaukee in Game 1 of the World Series.

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Late Drama in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers took Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night, holding off a late rally from the Tampa Bay Rays to win 3-2. Trevor Megill secured the final out by striking out Jonny DeLuca with runners on second and third base.

The finish came with extra drama. Tampa Bay hitter Liam Hicks originally hit into what looked like a game ending double play. A replay review overturned the call. The review showed Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt had his right foot slightly off the bag when catching a throw from second baseman Brice Turang. That gave DeLuca another chance before Megill ended the game.

Early Offense and Strong Pitching

Milwaukee built an early lead in front of a sellout crowd watching the city's first World Series game since 1982. Christian Yelich sparked a rally in the first inning with an RBI triple that put the Brewers ahead for good.

Pitcher Jacob Misiorowski earned the victory after allowing one run over five innings. Jackson Chourio and William Contreras provided two hits each to lead the offense. Contreras was also sharp behind the plate, throwing out two potential base stealers.

Historical Stakes

Both teams are trying to win their first championship. This is the first World Series between two potential first time champions since 1980, when the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals in six games. The Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners are the only other major league teams that have never won a World Series title.

Milwaukee now holds a statistical advantage after the opening victory. Teams that win Game 1 go on to win the World Series 62.8% of the time.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers (MLB, Sun, 25 Oct): Milwaukee Brewers win 51%, Tampa Bay Rays win 49%; projected score Milwaukee Brewers 4, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Rays +3.5.

Milwaukee Brewers at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Tue, 27 Oct): Tampa Bay Rays win 49%, Milwaukee Brewers win 51%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, Milwaukee Brewers 4. Our safest pick: Brewers +2.5.