World Series Game 1: Takeaways from Brewers' win over Rays
The Brewers took World Series Game 1 over the Rays 3-2 in Milwaukee. Takeaways: Misiorowski's record 103.5 mph first pitch, Contreras' big night and what's next for Game 2.
Milwaukee Brewers 3, Tampa Bay Rays 2 -- the Fall Classic is underway, and Game 1 delivered everything a World Series opener should.
Both clubs are chasing the first championship in franchise history, and the Brewers struck first Friday night at home. Milwaukee scored twice in the opening inning and never surrendered the lead, even as Tampa Bay made the ninth inning tense. The Rays pushed across a run to cut the deficit to one, but Milwaukee's well-rested bullpen shut the door on the 3-2 victory and a 1-0 series lead.
The night's headline act was Jacob Misiorowski. The Brewers ace made history with the very first pitch of the game, firing a 103.5 mph fastball -- the fastest pitch ever recorded in a World Series game. It set the tone for a staff that has been nearly unhittable all postseason: Milwaukee's team ERA stands at 2.03 through nine playoff games, per ESPN.
The unofficial Game 1 star, though, was William Contreras. The Milwaukee catcher drove in a run with a first-inning single and called a strong game behind the plate as the Brewers protected their slim lead.
What comes next: Milwaukee's path gets tougher in Game 2. The Brewers are expected to hand the ball to Logan Henderson, who had his share of struggles against the Dodgers in the NLCS. Tampa Bay counters with ace Drew Rasmussen, one of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now. Henderson and the Brewers will have their hands full trying to take a 2-0 series lead.
Source: ESPN — Top Headlines — TrendWire reports stories in its own words; facts should be confirmed against the original source.