Brewers Take Early Lead Over Rays in World Series Game 1

The 2026 World Series began Friday at American Family Field with the Milwaukee Brewers holding a 2-0 advantage over the Tampa Bay Rays. Jackson Chourio led off with a single, and Christian Yelich followed with a triple that drove in the first run. William Contreras added a single to bring Yelich home for a second run in the opening inning.

Rays starter Nick Martinez allowed two runs on 22 pitches through two scoreless innings, while Milwaukee rookie Jacob Misiorowski retired the side with three strikeouts and only three foul balls. The Rays responded with back-to-back singles, but a line drive by Junior Caminero was caught by third baseman David Hamilton, ending the inning without further damage.

Milwaukee's lineup featured Chourio, Jake Bauers, Yelich, William Contreras, Brice Turang, Garrett Mitchell, Cooper Pratt, Sal Frelick, and David Hamilton. Tampa Bay's roster included Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, Chandler Simpson, Junior Caminero, Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca, Victor Mesa Jr., Ben Williamson, Taylor Walls, and Martinez on the mound.

Milwaukee coach Taylor Jenkins of the NBA's Bucks, who adjusted his team's schedule to attend the game, praised the Brewers' culture and development approach, saying, "When you look at the Brewers, you just see a belief. Their focus on building relationships and developing talent is evident on the field."

The game marks the first World Series appearance for both clubs, with only three players—Yandy Díaz, Dustin May, and Steven Matz—having prior series experience, the fewest combined appearances in a championship in a century.