First pitch: 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT)
Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: FOX
Game Overview
This is Game 1 of the 2026 World Series, a best-of-seven series between two franchises seeking their first championship. The Brewers (NL Central champions, best record in the National League) host after sweeping the defending champion Dodgers in the NLCS. The Rays (AL East champions) advanced by defeating the Guardians in the ALCS. Nick Martinez starts for Tampa Bay opposite Jacob Misiorowski for Milwaukee. The series shifts to Tropicana Field for Games 3–5 if necessary.
Starting Pitchers
Rays: RHP Nick Martinez (regular season 15-6, 3.10 ERA; postseason 1-0, 3.00 ERA in 9 IP)
Veteran right-hander selected for Game 1 to give ace Drew Rasmussen extra rest for Game 2. Strong road performer this year; has postseason experience.
Brewers: RHP Jacob Misiorowski (regular season 16-5, 1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts; postseason appearances shorter)
Hard-throwing 24-year-old ace (regularly exceeds 100 mph, led MLB in strikeouts). Coming off extended rest (around 11 days). Dominant regular-season form; postseason outings have been effective but shorter.
Projected/Current Lineups
Rays
Yandy Díaz (R) DH
Jonathan Aranda (L) 1B
Chandler Simpson (L) LF
Junior Caminero (R) 3B
Liam Hicks (L) C
Jonny DeLuca (R) CF
Victor Mesa Jr. (L) RF
Ben Williamson (R) 2B
Taylor Walls (S) SS
Brewers
Jackson Chourio (R) LF
Jake Bauers (L) 1B
Christian Yelich (L) DH
William Contreras (R) C
Brice Turang (L) 2B
Garrett Mitchell (L) CF
Cooper Pratt (R) SS
Sal Frelick (L) RF
David Hamilton (L) 3B
(Lineups subject to late changes; right-handed Williamson preferred over lefty options against Misiorowski in some reports.)
Injury Reports
Rays
Shane McClanahan (SP, forearm) — Out (season/postseason)
Jacob Melton (OF, hamstring) — IL
Other longer-term absences include pitchers such as Edwin Uceta, Jon Heasley, and Ryan Pepiot (hip/elbow issues). Gavin Lux (shoulder) monitored in some reports.
Brewers
Brandon Woodruff (SP, shoulder) — On World Series roster after late rehab push (significant storyline; limited recent action).
Other notes: Grant Anderson (biceps, 15-day), longer-term absences for Quinn Priester and others. Core lineup largely intact.
Current Weather Forecast
Mild and favorable for baseball. Afternoon highs in the mid-to-upper 60s°F under partly sunny to mostly sunny skies after morning fog. By first pitch and into the evening: temperatures around 50–60°F, partly cloudy, light southeast/south winds 5–10 mph. Low precipitation chance. Comfortable conditions overall.
Recent Team Forms
Rays: Strong regular season (98-64) and solid postseason run through the ALDS and ALCS. Balanced offense with power from Caminero and contact/OBP from Díaz and others; reliable pitching and defense. Recent ALCS success included timely hitting and strong starting pitching.
Brewers: Excellent regular season (103-59, best in NL) and dominant NLCS sweep of the Dodgers. High-powered offense led by Chourio, Turang, Bauers, and Contreras; elite starting pitching headlined by Misiorowski. Strong home record (55-26) and recent winning streak entering the series. Postseason pitching has been excellent.
Key Player Matchups
Jacob Misiorowski vs. Rays lineup (esp. Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz): Misiorowski’s elite velocity and strikeout stuff against a patient, contact-oriented Rays group. Caminero’s power is a key threat; lefties in the Rays order may struggle against his arsenal.
Nick Martinez vs. Brewers middle of the order (Yelich, Contreras, Turang, Chourio): Martinez’s command and experience tested by Milwaukee’s balanced, high-OBP attack. Chourio’s speed/athleticism and Yelich’s veteran presence create pressure.
Bullpens and late innings: Both sides feature strong relief corps. Rays’ high-leverage arms vs. Brewers’ depth (including potential Woodruff usage).
Defense and baserunning: Both clubs emphasize athleticism and run prevention. Turang and Chourio bring speed; Rays counter with strong infield defense (Walls, etc.).
Series History
First World Series meeting between the franchises (and first postseason series). Regular-season history exists but is secondary to the current form and October stakes. Both teams are seeking their first World Series title. Brewers last appeared in 1982; Rays have reached the Fall Classic before but remain title-less.
Betting Trends
Strong home teams in World Series openers often hold value; elite aces like Misiorowski can suppress offense. Public money frequently backs the favorite and overs in high-profile games. Rays’ road resilience and Martinez’s experience provide underdog appeal. Low totals align with both staffs’ postseason efficiency.
GAME ODDS
Tampa Bay Rays 6.5
Milwaukee Brewers – 181
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, October 22, 2026
