Series Shifts to Florida as Brewers Seek First Championship
The Milwaukee Brewers hold a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 World Series after winning Game 2 with a 5-4 score on Saturday. The victory moves the Brewers two wins away from their first franchise championship.
Following the conclusion of the first two games, which were each decided by a single run, the series is shifting to Florida for Game 3 on Monday. In Game 2, the Rays scored all four of their runs in the top of the first inning. The Brewers gradually reduced that lead, aided by six scoreless frames from their bullpen, securing the win.
The probable starting pitchers for Game 3 have been identified for both clubs as they prepare to play at what is referred to as "The Trop."
Rays Rely on Postseason MVP Peralta
Tampa Bay is scheduled to start right-hander Freddy Peralta for Game 3. The 30-year-old pitcher enters the contest with a 1.08 earned run average across four postseason games.
Peralta was named the American League Championship Series MVP after allowing one run over 12 innings against the Cleveland Guardians. He follows previous Rays starters Nick Martinez and Drew Rasmussen in the World Series rotation.
In Game 1, Martinez threw five innings of two-run ball. In Game 2, ace Drew Rasmussen lasted 3 2/3 innings before being relieved.
Brewers Expect Gasser to Hand Off to Bullpen
The Milwaukee Brewers are expected to start left-hander Robert Gasser for Game 3. Gasser, 27, is nicknamed "Bobby Diesel" and has allowed one run over nine innings in two playoff starts.
His postseason resume includes five shutout innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the National League Championship Series.
Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy is expected to have Gasser pitch for four or five innings before handing the game over to a bullpen that has been effective throughout the postseason. This strategy follows the performance in Game 1, where Murphy relieved pitcher Abner Uribe during the sixth inning against the Rays at American Family Field.
Baltimore Connections in the Fall Classic
The matchup features ties to Baltimore's baseball history, with former Orioles players participating in the series for both the Rays and the Brewers. The connection between the Baltimore Orioles and the two teams competing in the 2026 World Series has been noted as a significant element of the series.