Rays and Brewers Open 2026 World Series in Milwaukee
Both franchises seek their first championship as Game 1 gets underway at American Family Field.
The Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers face off on Friday night at American Family Field in Milwaukee to open Game 1 of the 2026 World Series. Both franchises enter the matchup chasing the first World Series title in their respective team histories, following stellar regular seasons that saw them secure the best records in their respective leagues.
Milwaukee enters the opener as a home favorite on traditional betting markets and carries a strong 103-59 regular-season record alongside a 7-1 postseason run. The Brewers advanced to the Fall Classic after defeating the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series and sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning a full week of rest prior to Friday night's contest. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays finished the regular season at 98-64 and hold a 7-2 record in October after sweeping the New York Yankees and eliminating the Cleveland Packers in six games.
On the mound, Milwaukee will turn to starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski for Game 1. Misiorowski finished the regular season leading Major League Baseball with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts, though his postseason outings have been shorter due to high pitch counts and foul balls from opposing hitters. The Brewers' bullpen features a formidable 1.33 ERA this postseason, which could prove vital if Misiorowski makes another abbreviated start.
The Tampa Bay Rays countered by selecting veteran pitcher Nick Martinez to start Game 1 instead of ace Drew Rasmussen, allowing Rasmussen an extra day of rest before a planned Game 2 start. Martinez posted a 15-6 record with a 3.10 ERA over 180 innings during the regular season and has allowed just three runs across nine playoff frames. Tampa Bay's postseason lineup also features key offensive threats like Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero, who powered the team past Cleveland.
Television coverage for the opener will air nationally on FOX, with Spanish-language broadcasts available on FOX Deportes. Streaming options are accessible through FOX One. Games 1 and 2 will take place in Milwaukee before the series shifts to Tampa Bay for Games 3 through 5.
Analysts and betting markets anticipate a low-scoring, tightly contested game, with many projection boards setting the over-under total at 6.5 runs. Both teams boast reliable relief pitching and strong late-inning options, including Tampa Bay closer Bryan Baker, meaning the outcome of the World Series opener could ultimately depend on how effectively each bullpen navigates the later innings.