According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Misiorowski suffered a strained calf just before the sixth inning of the clincher. Despite the setback, the right-hander joined the on-field postgame celebration to address reporters with a championship cap on his head.

“They were nothing but support through this year, and it’s been amazing. Damn it, I’m getting emotional,” an emotional Misiorowski said through tears during his postgame interview on MLB on FOX.

The milestone win officially removes the Brewers from the dwindling list of MLB franchises without a Fall Classic ring. While Milwaukee faces questions this winter regarding the long-term status of Misiorowski’s leg, any offseason medical concerns will gladly take a back seat to the parade.

Misiorowski’s championship run

Misiorowski set the tone for the Fall Classic in Game 1, flashing triple-digit heat across five innings of one-run ball to earn the victory and put Tampa Bay on notice.

Returning on short rest for Game 5, the flamethrowing righty delivered his crowning achievement, neutralizing the Rays with 5 2/3 scoreless innings of two-hit ball to position Milwaukee on the brink of history.

Departing to a raucous standing ovation in the sixth, “The Miz” capped his first Fall Classic at 2–0 with a microscopic 0.84 ERA over 10 2/3 dominant frames—cementing his status as the cornerstone of the Brewers’ historic run.

How the Brewers won the Fall Classic

The Brewers dispatched the Rays in five games using a proven formula of timely contact and shutdown pitching. Milwaukee took early command with back-to-back home victories in Games 1 and 2—highlighted by a four-run comeback sparked by Sal Frelick and Cooper Pratt—before breaking Game 3 open with an eight-run fifth inning powered by Jackson Chourio’s four-hit clinic in a 10–1 rout.

After falling in a 12-inning marathon in Game 4, the Brewers finished the job in Game 5 courtesy of clutch run-scoring knocks from William Contreras and David Hamilton. Backed by stellar outfield defense from Frelick and Garrett Mitchell, closer Trevor Megill shut the door in the ninth to bring Milwaukee its long-awaited championship.

Key takeaways

• Jacob Misiorowski suffered a strained calf just before the sixth inning of the clincher.
• The Milwaukee Brewers won their first World Series title after defeating Tampa Bay in Game 5.
• Misiorowski finished the Fall Classic with a 0.84 ERA across 10 2/3 frames.

Back home at American Family Field, the Brewers vie to put an end to the 2026 MLB Postseason. Not just that, but snap their ringless drought in franchise history. Both Milwaukee and Tampa Bay are among the five teams that have never won the World Series. In 2026, that list will shrink to four organizations.

However, only the Brewers will get the chance to do it in Game 5. The Rays are playing for their lives, the Brewers for the chance to tell the story for the rest of theirs. If Game 4 was any indication, fans across MLB should be in for another instant classic in Game 5 of the 2026 World Series.

What happens if Brewers win against Rays?

The Brewers will be crowned the 2026 World Series champions with a victory at home against the Rays in Game 5. Since taking a 3-0 series lead, Milwaukee is only one win away from their first championship in franchise history. As they learned in Game 4, however, that’s the hardest triumph to secure.

On the other hand, the Rays would see their hopes be crushed to pieces with a loss in Game 5, and they would remain one of four teams yet to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy in MLB.

What happens if Brewers and Rays tie?

Just as it happened in Game 4, if the Brewers and Rays remain tied at the end of the ninth inning the game will head to extra innings. With no ties allowed in MLB Postseason, Game 5 could go as long as needed until a victor is decided at American Family Field.

Contrary to regular season games, there is no extra-inning rule (ghost runner at second base) in the playoffs or World Series, that means Milwaukee and Tampa Bay will truly have to earn everything in extra innings.

If the Rays prevail in the extra inning, they will force a Game 6 back in Florida. If the Brewers finish on top, the 2026 MLB Postseason will be over, and the home team crowned. That would also mark the unofficial start of the MLB offseason, in which both the Brewers and Rays have several players set to become free agents.

What happens if Brewers lose against Rays?

If the Brewers fall at home in Game 5, all hope will not be lost, but they might start panicking. The 2026 World Series will head to a Game 6 back in St. Petersburg and what once was a comfortable 3-0 series lead for Milwaukee will turn into a narrow 3-2 lead in a two-day span.

No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series, but there’s a first time for everything and the Brewers will start getting anxious they might be on the wrong side of history.

To avoid all that, the easiest way out is for the Brewers to secure one more win and hoist the World Series. Unfortunately for them, there is nothing easy in doing that.

Key takeaways

• The Brewers are up 3-1 in the World Series entering Game 5 at home.
• A Brewers win in Game 5 will clinch the 2026 World Series.
• A Brewers loss in Game 5 will take the World Series back to Tampa Bay for Game 6.

After one-run games in the first two matches of the 2026 World Series, fans across MLB expected the best-of-seven showdown to remain evenly matched when Tampa Bay returned home. However, Milwaukee had other plans and handed the fans in St. Petersburg, Florida, a colossal defeat by a score of 10-1.

Now, there is no margin for error for the Rays, whose backs are against the wall and whose season is on the line. Unless they come up with a plan—and come away with a win—fast, they will watch the Brewers hoist the 2026 World Series trophy on their home turf, under the stunned, teary-eyed gaze of fans and stingrays at Tropicana Field.

What happens if Brewers win vs Rays in Game 4?

The Milwaukee Brewers will be crowned 2026 World Series champions with a road win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. It would be the first championship in franchise history for the Brewers, making it a historic triumph. The Brewers would finally abandon the list of MLB teams with no World Series to their name, leaving only: the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and Colorado Rockies.

If the Brewers close out the World Series against the Rays in four games, they would become the first team in MLB history to sweep both the League Championship Series (LCS) and the World Series since the former became a best-of-seven series.

A Milwaukee win in Florida would also bring an end to the 2026 MLB postseason and officially mean that a long list of Brewers players would become free agents heading into the offseason. Dealing with those contract situations while sipping champagne is far better than the alternative: dwelling on a World Series loss, which would be the case for Rays players set to hit free agency if they lose.

What happens if Brewers and Rays tie in Game 4?

If Game 4 of the 2026 World Series remains tied at the end of the ninth inning, the game will head to extra innings, as ties are not allowed in MLB. Unlike in the regular season, though, there is no extra-inning (ghost runner) rule in the postseason.

The game will go on for as many extra innings as necessary until a winner is decided. If the Brewers finish on top, they will be crowned champions. If the Rays prevail, they will force another elimination game in Game 5 back in Wisconsin.

What happens if Brewers lose vs Rays in Game 4?

Indeed, the Brewers would love to close out the series in four games, but a loss in Game 4 wouldn’t be terrible, either. If the Rays defeat the Brewers, the 2026 World Series will be extended to a Game 5 at American Family Field. Milwaukee would then get the chance to complete a gentleman’s sweep by defeating Tampa Bay in five games.

Though discouraging, a loss in Game 4 would give the Brewers another chance to hoist their long-awaited first title in front of their home fans in Milwaukee.

As for the Rays, they are in deep trouble, and not even a win in Game 4 may save them. No team in MLB history has come back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series, and it will take a miraculous, never-before-seen rally for the Rays to complete the reverse sweep. Still, they’ve got to start somewhere, and a win in Game 4 at home would go a long way.

Key takeaways

• A 10-1 Game 3 blowout gave the Milwaukee Brewers a commanding 2026 World Series lead.
• Their first franchise title awaits the Milwaukee Brewers with a Game 4 road victory.
• No MLB team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficitin World Series history.

According to Spotrac, a total of seven players will become unrestricted free agents (UFAs) once the season comes to an end. They are Nick Martinez, Cedric Mullins, Gavin Lux, Freddy Peralta, Jorge Mateo, Jake Fraley, and Austin Slater.

On the other hand, two cases could have a different outcome. Drew Rasmussen and Taylor Walls both have club options, meaning they could remain with the Rays in 2027 under manager Kevin Cash.

Breaking down the Rasmussen and Walls situations

Both Drew Rasmussen and Taylor Walls are currently under multi-year stability with the Tampa Bay Rays, so the front office won’t have to worry about losing them to free agency just yet. Rasmussen is locked into a two-year, $8.5 million deal signed back in early 2025 that runs through the 2026 season and includes a club option for 2027.

Meanwhile, Walls signed a contract extension featuring club options that cover 2026 ($2.45 million) and 2027 ($3.1 million). This setup gives the Rays tons of payroll flexibility while keeping both key pieces firmly under team control through at least the next year or two.

The range of options for Freddy Peralta

Heading into the 2027 season, Freddy Peralta finds himself at a major career crossroad with plenty of intriguing avenues on the table. After finishing 2026 on a absolute tear for Tampa Bay, he’s set to command top-dollar interest on the market, with big-market suitors like the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets frequently linked as potential destinations in search of a frontline starter.

While he’s reportedly seeking a lucrative, long-term mega-deal, a return to the Rays is far from out of the question; Peralta publicly expressed how much he enjoyed pitching in Tampa, and the front office could look to lock him down if they can stretch their typical budget.

Alternatively, if the multi-year market gets tricky, a high-AAV “prove-it” contract with a contender aiming for a deep October run remains another strong backup option.

Key takeaways

• Seven Rays players will become unrestricted free agents following the season.
• Drew Rasmussen and Taylor Walls both have club options available for 2027.
• Freddy Peralta is drawing significant market interest from multiple major teams.

Tropicana Field will host a matchup in which the home team desperately needs a win to keep its championship hopes alive. For Pat Murphy’s team, however, the outlook is much brighter after securing victories in the first two games of the series.

The home crowd will look to make its presence felt in the stands and put pressure on a Milwaukee team that seems determined not to give an inch. Can Tampa Bay take advantage of home-field advantage and keep its championship hopes alive?

What happens if the Rays win vs Brewers today?

If the Tampa Bay Rays manage to defeat the Brewers at home, they will secure their first win of the World Series, cutting Milwaukee’s series lead to 2–1. Protecting home-field advantage could prove crucial in determining how the remainder of the series unfolds.

For Pat Murphy’s team, a loss would bring an end to an impressive winning streak, as its last defeat came against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS. The series would remain alive until at least Game 5.

What happens if the Rays and Brewers tie?

Should Tampa Bay and Milwaukee remain deadlocked through nine, they’ll play as many extra innings as it takes for someone to claim the win—either by leading after a complete frame or via a walk-off hit from the Brewers in the bottom half.

Keep in mind that October baseball plays by different rules: the regular-season “ghost runner” rule is out, meaning both teams will have to earn their baserunners the old-fashioned way on clean paths until a victor is crowned.

What happens if the Rays lose to the Brewers?

The worst-case scenario for the Rays would be a loss to the Brewers. In that situation, Kevin Cash’s team would fall behind 3–0 in the series, leaving Milwaukee just one win away from the championship. Another knockout blow in Game 4 could seal the title for the Brewers.

Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, at 8 PM ET, once again at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

Key takeaways

• Tropicana Field hosts Game 3 between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers.
• A Rays win would cut the Milwaukee Brewers’ series lead to 2–1.
• Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, at Tropicana Field.

“Nobody in this clubhouse wants to play the baseball we’ve played the last couple of days,” he said. “That’s not who we are.” There is no doubt that this team needs to improve as soon as possible to keep its World Series hopes alive.

Tense moments unfolded after the Brewers tied the game in the sixth inning. Chandler Simpson dropped a fly ball, a pivotal moment that threw Caminero off his game at a crucial point in the matchup.

“I’m trying to help the team, get our heads up,” Caminero said regarding this situation, according to The Athletic. “Just trying to create some energy and get some life back into us.” He also added: “We had to get outs. At the moment, we weren’t doing our job.”

Rays still unable to show their best form

The Tampa Bay Rays missed a prime opportunity to level the World Series, squandering an early lead to fall 5-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers and slipping into a daunting 0-2 series deficit. Tampa Bay jumped out to a commanding 4-0 advantage in the top of the first inning—headlined by a two-run home run from catcher Liam Hicks—before the offense went completely stagnant, managing just seven total hits on the night.

Drew Rasmussen struggled to maintain stability, surrendering three earned runs on four hits and two walks across 3.2 innings. Milwaukee systematically eroded the margin, drawing even on a Sal Frelick solo home run in the sixth before taking a 5-4 lead on a go-ahead single in the seventh.

The Rays brought the potential tying run to third base with two outs in the ninth, but Yandy Diaz struck out swinging against closer Trevor Megill to seal Tampa Bay’s second consecutive setback.

A crucial Game 3 for Tampa Bay

Game 3 of the World Series is heading down to Florida this Tuesday, October 27, 2026, where the Tampa Bay Rays will host the Milwaukee Brewers at Tropicana Field

Another loss would leave them virtually on the ropes, as the series is a best-of-seven. The Rays must win at all costs if they hope to stay alive and keep their dream within reach.

Key takeaways

• Junior Caminero expressed frustration after the Tampa Bay Rays’ second World Series loss.
• The Tampa Bay Rays fell into a 0-2 World Series deficit against Milwaukee.
• Game 3 of the World Series takes place Tuesday at Tropicana Field in Florida.

Riding a monster Game 1 from William Contreras, the Brewers are looking to tighten their grip on the Fall Classic. Tampa Bay, however, is out to prove its pennant-winning run was no fluke.

While veterans like Gary Sanchez face lingering questions about their future, the Rays will lean heavily on young slugger Junior Caminero to spark the offense tonight against Milwaukee.

What happens if the Rays win vs Brewers today?

A Game 2 victory by the Rays would knot the World Series at 1-1, swinging momentum in their favor as the series shifts to Game 3. Stealing a win on the road would also deliver a massive confidence boost against the title favorites.

A Tampa Bay win would snap Milwaukee’s six-game postseason winning streak, handing the Brewers their first loss since the NLDS against the San Diego Padres.

What happens if the Rays and Brewers tie?

If the Brewers and Rays are tied after nine innings, the game will head into extra innings and continue until a full frame ends with one team ahead, or until Milwaukee walks it off in the bottom half.

Unlike the regular season, MLB postseason rules do not utilize the “ghost runner” on second base. Both clubs will play traditional extra innings with clean bases until a winner emerges.

What happens if the Rays lose to the Brewers?

If the Rays fall in Game 2, Milwaukee will take a commanding 2-0 series lead, moving within two wins of hoisting the first Commissioner’s Trophy in franchise history.

For Tampa Bay, digging out of an 0-2 hole would be a daunting task. In World Series history, only a handful of teams have ever rallied from two games down to claim the title.

Key takeaways

• A Tampa Bay Rays victory would tie the World Series 1-1 entering Game 3.
• Tying after nine innings forces extra innings without an automatic ghost runner on second.
• A Tampa Bay Rays defeat gives the Milwaukee Brewers a 2-0 series advantage.

Anticipation is running high in Milwaukee as the Brewers host Game 1, marking the franchise’s first Fall Classic appearance in 44 years, their first since falling to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games in 1982.

Meanwhile, the Rays are searching for the first World Series title in franchise history. After a dominant campaign from start to finish, Tampa Bay aims to prove its roster is built to pull off one final series victory against the betting favorites.

What happens if Brewers beat Rays today?

A Game 1 victory would give Milwaukee a 1-0 series lead, instantly shifting the pressure onto Tampa Bay while protecting home-field advantage. It would also validate the pre-series hype surrounding the Brewers as slight favorites to capture the Commissioner’s Trophy.

A win would also extend Milwaukee’s postseason momentum, stretching its current winning streak to six games after sweeping the final stretch of the League Championship Series.

What happens if Brewers and Rays tie?

If the Brewers and Rays are tied after nine innings in Game 1, the contest will head into extra innings and continue until one team leads at the end of a full frame, or until Milwaukee, as the home team, pushes across a walk-off run.

Unlike regular-season play, MLB postseason rules do not place an automatic runner on second base to start extra frames. Teams will play traditional extra innings with clean bases until a winner is determined.

What happens if Brewers lose to Rays?

If the Brewers drop Game 1 on home turf, Tampa Bay will steal home-field advantage and take control of the series momentum. For Milwaukee, losing the opener would waste a crucial opportunity to capitalize on an energetic home crowd before the series shifts environments.

Key takeaways

• Winning Game 1 extends Milwaukee’s postseason streak to six games.
• Tying after nine innings forces extra innings under traditional MLB postseason rules.
• Losing Game 1 hands Tampa Bay home-field advantage and control of series momentum.

At this stage, the road ahead will be anything but easy for either the Rays or the Guardians. The Milwaukee Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in their series and will enter the World Series with significantly more rest ahead of the championship showdown.

Kevin Cash’s team is coming off a crucial win that puts the Rays in an excellent position to achieve their goal. Can Tampa Bay punch its ticket tonight at Tropicana Field?

What happens if the Rays beat the Guardians today?

If the Rays defeat the Guardians in Game 6, they will secure their fourth win of the series, clinching it 4–2. Since the ALCS is a best-of-seven series, that victory would punch their ticket to the World Series.

For the Guardians, a loss would be the final blow, bringing their season to an end. Their dream of facing the Milwaukee Brewers and competing for the title would be over.

What happens if the Rays and Guardians tie?

If the Rays and Guardians are tied after nine innings in Game 6, the game simply moves into extra innings and continues until one team leads at the end of a full inning (or until the Rays score a walk-off run as the home team).

Unlike regular-season games, MLB playoff games do not use the “ghost runner” rule on second base to start extra innings, so the teams will play traditional extra innings with empty bases until a winner is decided.

What happens if the Rays lose to the Guardians?

If the Rays lose to the Guardians, the series would be tied at 3–3, setting up a decisive Game 7 to determine the other World Series finalist. The winner-take-all matchup would potentially take place on Tuesday, October 20, with the start time still to be determined, once again at Tropicana Field.

Key takeaways

• A victory in Game 6 would clinch the series 4–2 for Tampa Bay.
• A Guardians win would force a decisive Game 7 at Tropicana Field.
• The Milwaukee Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance to the World Series.

The Rays’ latest victory, fueled by a strong performance from Freddy Peralta, evened the series. Game 5 between these two talented teams will give one of them the edge, with the ALCS currently tied at 2-2.

Stephen Vogt’s team is looking to return to the spotlight after many years, back when the franchise was still known as the Indians. Can the Guardians reach the World Series again in 2026?

What happens if the Guardians beat the Rays today?

If the Guardians manage to defeat the Rays, they will take a 3-2 lead in the series and move within one win of clinching the ALCS. With the series being a best-of-seven, the first team to secure four victories will advance to the World Series.

For Tampa Bay, the situation would be the opposite. A loss would put Kevin Cash’s team on the brink of elimination, forcing the Rays to aim for a 3-3 series tie in Game 6 to set up a decisive Game 7.

What happens if the Guardians and Rays tie?

If Game 5 of the ALCS between the Guardians and Rays ends in a tie after nine innings, there are strictly no ties in the MLB postseason. The game goes straight into extra innings until a winner is decided.

Unlike the regular season, there is no “ghost runner” placed on second base, so every extra inning starts with empty bases. Half-innings are played standard-style: the game ends as soon as the visiting team leads at the end of a full extra inning, or if the home team scores a walk-off run in the bottom half.

What happens if the Guardians lose to the Rays?

If the Guardians lose to the Rays, they will fall behind 3-2 in the series and face a must-win situation in Game 6. The game is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, October 19, with an 8 PM ET start time.

Key takeaways

• The Milwaukee Brewers have already secured a spot in the World Series.
• A Game 5 win gives either team a 3–2 series lead in the ALCS.
• Game 6 is scheduled for Monday, October 19 at 8 PM ET.

“He was available yesterday as well,” Cash told reporters in his post-game press conference. “Just kind of gave the heads up, like, sixth inning, tighter lead, you’re definitely in play. He was all eager to come in and do it and showed why.”

Ultimately, Cash’s decision paid off, as the manager himself was impressed by what he saw at Progressive Field. “A lot of power, got huge outs for us,” Cashman also added.

Peralta delivers once again

Freddy Peralta proved to be a clutch asset, stepping up for the Tampa Bay Rays to hold off the Cleveland Guardians. Coming in as a key high-leverage reliever, Peralta tossed 0.2 scoreless innings without allowing a single hit (0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB).

His brief but surgical outing effectively snuffed out a Cleveland rally, keeping the game well within reach and helping secure the 7–3 victory to even the series at 2–2.

The ALCS is heating up

With the ALCS deadlocked, Game 5 takes place on Sunday, October 18, remaining in Cleveland at Progressive Field for one last swing before the series shifts locations. From there, the action heads down south to St. Petersburg for Game 6 on Monday, October 19, back at Tropicana Field as Tampa Bay looks to capitalize on home-field advantage.

Key takeaways

• Kevin Cash brought Freddy Peralta out of the bullpen in Game 4.
• Freddy Peralta tossed 0.2 scoreless innings without allowing a single hit.
• Game 5 takes place on Sunday, October 18 in Cleveland at Progressive Field.