Jacob Misiorowski tossed over five shutout innings while series MVP William Contreras sparked a decisive sixth-inning rally at Tropicana Field, sealing an 11-2 postseason run for manager Pat Murphy's squad.
The Milwaukee Brewers secured the first World Series championship in franchise history on Wednesday night, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 at Tropicana Field.
Behind five and two-thirds shutout innings from starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski and timely hits from rookie Cooper Pratt, Milwaukee closed out the Fall Classic four games to one. The decisive victory arrived less than twenty-four hours after an exhausting twelve-inning defeat in Game 4, dispelling any concern that the National League champions might falter under pressure.
“They were undaunted when things weren't going well, like last night,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “Undaunted. Came back today and were focused.”
Misiorowski, a foundational arm during Milwaukee's 103-win regular season, surrendered only two hits and issued one walk while frustrating the American League champions. Working with an early advantage, the tall right-hander repeatedly navigated trouble with steady defensive backing.
First baseman Jake Bauers, the National League Championship Series MVP, delivered two crucial stops. Bauers dove to snag a sharp grounder from Ryan Vilade in the third inning and stretched at first base to secure a high throw from David Hamilton, retiring Ben Williamson and stranding two runners in the fourth.
A right calf cramp forced Misiorowski to exit with two outs in the sixth inning, prompting Murphy to call upon an October bullpen that consistently slammed the door. Aside from a ninth-inning run against Trevor Megill, Milwaukee's relief corps closed out the victory.
“I know they're going crazy in Milwaukee,” Misiorowski said of the supporters following the game back home.
Tampa Bay started right-hander Drew Rasmussen on short rest after Tuesday's extended contest. Rasmussen worked four innings, but Milwaukee struck first in the second. Brice Turang doubled, moved up on Sal Frelick's hit-by-pitch, and scored when Pratt singled past Williamson.
Pratt recorded another single in the fifth inning off reliever Kevin Kelly, setting a World Series rookie record with hits in six consecutive plate appearances. Hamilton followed with an RBI single, widening Milwaukee's lead to 2-0.
Milwaukee added insurance in the sixth against Tampa Bay's bullpen. Christian Yelich was hit by a pitch, setting up an RBI double from William Contreras. Turang singled, stole second base, and scored on Pratt's sacrifice fly off Tyler Wells for a 4-0 lead.
Contreras was named Willie Mays World Series MVP, becoming the eighth catcher in Major League Baseball history to win the award. His guidance of the young rotation and timely hits anchored Milwaukee throughout October.
The triumph marks the first World Series title for the franchise since its founding in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots and subsequent move to Wisconsin in 1970. It also gives Milwaukee its first baseball crown since the Braves won the 1957 World Series. The Brewers had previously reached the Fall Classic only once, falling in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982.
“I think about the city of Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin,” Murphy said. “They pushed us through for sure, and this group of guys right here, this 2026 team will be remembered forever. They deserve that, because they were a team, and I couldn't be more grateful and more proud to be a Milwaukee Brewer.”
For Yelich, who signed a long-term contract following his 2018 NL MVP campaign, the championship brought relief after years of postseason disappointment.
“I just knew we were going to find a way to get it done,” Yelich said. “We've had a lot of close calls and a lot of really good teams. A lot has to go right for you to be standing here. All those years where it wasn't our year were worth it for the year that it was.”
Milwaukee went 11-2 in the postseason, eliminating the San Diego Padres, the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Rays, lifting their full-season total to 114 wins.
Rasmussen offered high praise for the champions. “That's the best team I've played at the Major League level,” the Tampa Bay pitcher said. “I think this is my sixth or seventh season, and it's the best team I've ever played against.”
Source:
Mighty Brewers prove they're an unbeatable crew, capture first World Series! October 28, 2026 (Updated October 29, 2026)
Milwaukee's William Contreras wins World Series MVP October 29, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers beat Tampa Bay Rays in 5 games to win first World Series title October 29, 2026