World Series Game 1: Misiorowski and Brewers host Rays with a first title guaranteed
The World Series starts on Friday night in Milwaukee, where the Brewers host the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field. Neither franchise has ever won a title, so a first-time champion is guaranteed.
A guaranteed first
MLB.com noted that a World Series between two franchises without a title is rare. It last happened in 1980, when the Phillies beat the Royals, and the only other time in the last 116 years was 1920.
For Milwaukee, the wait for a World Series game at home has lasted 44 years. The Brewers last reached the Fall Classic in 1982.
The pitching matchup
Misiorowski led the majors in ERA this season at 1.80, MLB.com reported. He also struck out 252 batters, with a 0.80 WHIP and a .157 opponents' batting average.
Martinez, 36, was a first-time All-Star this year. He has pitched only on the road this postseason, allowing three runs over nine innings, MLB.com said. The Rays chose him over Drew Rasmussen, who will start Game 2 on Saturday.
| Game 1 | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | American Family Field, Milwaukee |
| First pitch | 7pm CT, Friday 23 October |
| TV | FOX |
| Brewers starter | Jacob Misiorowski (1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts) |
| Rays starter | Nick Martinez (first-time All-Star, age 36) |
Bullpens and power
Both teams rely on strong bullpens. MLB.com said Brewers relievers had posted a 1.33 ERA in the postseason, and the Rays are 92-0 this year when leading after eight innings.
Tampa Bay third baseman Junior Caminero hit 42 home runs in the regular season and hit his first of the postseason in Game 6 of the ALCS, MLB.com said. Milwaukee's Jake Bauers was named NLCS MVP.
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