World Series: Brewers Beat Rays in Record-Speed Opener
Milwaukee Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski threw the fastest pitch in World Series history on Friday, helping the Brewers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in Game 1 at American Family Field in Milwaukee. The win gives the Brewers an early lead in the best-of-seven series, the 122nd edition of baseball’s biggest stage.
The opener also marked a rare moment for the sport. It is only the second time in more than a century that neither finalist has won a World Series title before.
Misiorowski Rewrites the Speed Record
The 24-year-old right-hander hit 103.5 mph, topping the previous World Series mark of 103.2 mph set by Aroldis Chapman of the Chicago Cubs in 2016. One caveat: pitch speeds have only been tracked since 2008, so the record covers the modern tracking era.
Misiorowski did more than throw hard. He held the Rays to one run across five innings and became the youngest starter since 1997 to win a World Series opener.
“It was amazing, just to have the city behind me, it means the world,” he said afterward.
Yelich Gives Milwaukee Key Support
Designated hitter Christian Yelich scored one run and drove in another as the Brewers built a 3-1 lead. It was the kind of steady production that fans following Milwaukee Brewers players closely have come to expect from the veteran.
The Rays did not go quietly. They added a run in the final inning and moved a runner to third base with a chance to level the score. Milwaukee closed it out.
“We’ve still got a ways to go but nice to get that first one,” Yelich said.
A Packed House in Milwaukee
A sell-out crowd watched the Brewers in only their second appearance in the finale of Major League Baseball. Their only previous trip ended in a loss to the St Louis Cardinals in 1982.
American Family Field holds 41,900 seats. With standing-room tickets on sale for the “Fall Classic,” 43,250 fans squeezed in.
How Both Teams Got Here
The Brewers reached the final by beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 to win the National League title. The Rays took the American League pennant with a 4-2 series win over the Cleveland Guardians.
This is only the third World Series appearance for Tampa Bay. The Rays lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008 and the Dodgers in 2020.
Rays manager Kevin Cash tried to find a positive in the result. “We came up a little bit short, but there’s some benefit maybe from a loss,” he said.
What Happens Next in the Series
Milwaukee hosts Game 2 on Saturday. The series then moves to Florida for three games before returning to Milwaukee for the final two, if they are needed.
For fans tracking Milwaukee Brewers rumors about the offseason, the club’s focus is firmly on the series for now. A first title would add a new chapter to the franchise’s history.
World Series Champions by Year: Why This Matchup Is Different
Anyone browsing World Series champions by year will see the same names appear again and again. This final breaks that pattern, because neither the Brewers nor the Rays have lifted the trophy before. One of them will be added to the list for the first time.
Not Looking for Baseball? Other “World Series” Searches
The phrase “World Series” appears in several other events, and readers often mix them up.
The Little League World Series is the youth baseball tournament held each August in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It is separate from the MLB finale.
The World Series of Team Roping is a rodeo roping competition and has no connection to baseball.
Readers searching for the NAIA World Series bracket 2026 want the NAIA college baseball championship. Check the official NAIA website for its schedule and bracket.
Those typing Shoresy Fall Classic may be looking for the hockey comedy series Shoresy. “Fall Classic” is also the long-standing nickname for the MLB World Series, which is why the two get tangled in search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Game 1 of the World Series?
The Milwaukee Brewers won Game 1, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 at home in Milwaukee. They lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
What is the fastest pitch in World Series history?
Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers threw a 103.5 mph pitch in Game 1. That beat Aroldis Chapman’s 103.2 mph mark from 2016.
How old is Jacob Misiorowski?
Misiorowski is 24. He became the youngest starting pitcher since 1997 to win a World Series opener.
Have the Brewers or Rays ever won the World Series?
No. Neither team has won the title. The Brewers last reached the finale in 1982 and lost to the St Louis Cardinals, while the Rays lost in 2008 and 2020.
How is the World Series played?
It is a best-of-seven series between the American League and National League champions. The first team to win four games takes the title.
What is the Fall Classic?
“Fall Classic” is a nickname for the World Series. It refers to the championship being played in autumn at the end of the MLB season.