Tonight, the 2026 World Series kicks off between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays, and one thing is guaranteed: a brand new champion. Seriously, this Fall Classic is going to make history because either the Brewers or the Rays will claim their very first World Series title. But get this, no matter who hoists that trophy, a whole bunch of former Orioles players are also going to become champions. That’s kinda wild, right?
The Ace vs. The Playoff Vet: Game 1 Pitching Battle is Set
The Brewers are rolling out their NL Cy Young favorite, Jacob Misiorowski, for Game 1. This guy is a stud, and Milwaukee is banking on him to shut down the Rays’ deep lineup. Misiorowski faced Tampa Bay earlier this season, and he pretty much dealt, going 6 innings, giving up 4 hits and 2 earned runs, with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts in an 8-2 Brewers win. His listed stats coming into this game are 0-0 with 8.1 innings pitched, a 3.24 ERA, and 11 Ks. The Rays are counterpunching with their All-Star, Nick Martinez, who has been clutch all postseason, guiding Tampa Bay through both the Division Series and the ALCS. Martinez also saw the Brewers in his very first start this year, earning a win after 6 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 earned runs, with zero walks and 3 Ks. His Game 1 probable stats are 1-0 with 9 innings pitched, a 3.00 ERA, and 6 Ks. This is going to be a classic pitcher’s duel right out of the gate.
So Many Former O’s Are About to Taste Glory!
You really gotta hand it to the Orioles, even if they aren’t here, their alumni are everywhere! It’s like a reunion on the biggest stage. The Rays, man, they’ve got a whole crew of former O’s ready to win it all. Cedric Mullins is a serious option in center field, Jorge Mateo is ready off the bench to pinch run, and then you’ve got Tyler Wells and Bryan Baker who are playing key roles in that Tampa bullpen. Not to be outdone, the NL Champion Brewers have their own ex-Orioles contingent with Joey Ortiz as a depth infielder, DL Hall operating as an important cog in their bullpen, and Gary Sánchez backing up the catcher position. It’s a huge deal for these guys, no matter which side wins, they’re getting rings!
Who’s Stepping Up at the Plate?
Both lineups are absolutely loaded. For the Brewers, you’re looking at Jackson Chourio leading off in left field, Jake Bauers at first, Christian Yelich as the DH, William Contreras behind the plate, Brice Turang at second, Garrett Mitchell in center, Cooper Pratt at short, Sal Frelick in right, and David Hamilton at third. That’s a serious group. The Rays aren’t messing around either, with Yandy Díaz as their DH, Jonathan Aranda at first, Chandler Simspon in left, Junior Caminero at third, Liam Hicks catching, Jonny DeLuca in center, Víctor Mesa Jr. in right, Ben Williamson at second, and Taylor Walls at shortstop. It’s going to be a battle of attrition, every single at-bat matters!
Tonight’s Game 1 is going to set the tone, and you can catch all the action on FOX or FOX One. Get ready, baseball fans, because someone is making franchise history this week!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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