Rays vs. Brewers World Series
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The gist
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Guardians 7-3 in ALCS Game 6 to reach the World Series.
Both teams are seeking their first title, a first since 1980.
Background
The Tampa Bay Rays are the American League champions, finishing the regular season 98-64, and are in the World Series for the third time in franchise history, having lost in 2008 and 2020. The Milwaukee Brewers are the National League champions with an MLB-best 103-59 record and are in their first World Series since 1982, when they lost a seven-game series to the Cardinals. Both clubs are seeking their first championship, the first World Series in which both teams are chasing a first title since 1980, when the Phillies beat the Royals.
How it unfolded
- Mar 30, 2026 to Apr 1, 2026The Brewers took two of three games from the Rays in Milwaukee in the season's first week.
- Oct 19, 2026The Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in Game 6 of the ALCS in St. Petersburg to clinch the pennant.
- Oct 20, 2026The Rays advanced to the World Series for the third time in franchise history, their first since 2020.
- Oct 23, 2026Game 1 of the World Series is set for American Family Field in Milwaukee at 8 p.m. ET.
- Oct 26, 2026Game 3 shifts to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, with Games 4 and 5 to follow there.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Rays manager Kevin Cash told his team "We got one more bite!" as the clubhouse celebration began.
- Official
- Rays President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander credited Yandy Diaz, saying "Yandy had a claim to back and he did his part. That was unbelievable."
- Analysts
- Caesars Sportsbook's Eric Biggio said the Brewers are still a loss for the house on World Series futures but helped on a game-to-game basis against the Dodgers and by knocking out the Padres.
- Analysts
- Hard Rock Bet spokesperson Jon Chapper said there has been a significant late surge in World Series money on Milwaukee, but Tampa Bay remains a major liability.
Still unverified
Neither team has confirmed its pitching plans; Drew Rasmussen (16-5, 2.67 ERA) is the expected Game 1 starter for the Rays, with the Brewers expected to counter with a right-hander.