Rays and Brewers set for World Series opener with a first title at stake

Game 1 in Milwaukee

The 2026 World Series opens Friday night in Milwaukee, where the Tampa Bay Rays visit the Brewers for Game 1 of a best-of-seven series. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at American Family Field, with FOX carrying the game. At publication, the matchup remained pregame and there was no score to report. ^{[1] [2]}

The matchup guarantees a new champion because neither franchise has won the World Series. Milwaukee last appeared in 1982, while Tampa Bay’s previous trips came in 2008 and 2020. The Associated Press reports this is the first Fall Classic since 1980 between two teams seeking their first championship. ^{[2] [3]}

Pitching matchup and paths

Milwaukee reached the series by sweeping the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Tampa Bay advanced past Cleveland in the American League Championship Series. Those paths give the Brewers more rest before the opener, while the Rays finished their previous round more recently. ^{[2] [3]}

Milwaukee gives the opener to 24-year-old right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. AP reports he threw 1,115 regular-season pitches at 100 mph or faster and reached 105.5 mph. Tampa Bay counters with 36-year-old right-hander Nick Martinez, while the Rays are holding Drew Rasmussen for Game 2. ^{[2] [3]}

The teams have reached the series with lower payrolls and offenses built around speed, contact and creating runs rather than relying only on home-run power. That context shapes the preview, but the outcome and live statistics will not be known until Game 1 begins. ^{[2] [3]}

The series format allows no single pregame factor to decide the championship, but the opener can influence bullpen usage and the immediate pressure on both clubs. Milwaukee’s home-field advantage and Misiorowski’s velocity are established parts of the matchup; predictions about how they will translate remain uncertain until play starts. ^{[1] [2] [3]}