Christian Yelich supplied an early spark and the Milwaukee bullpen preserved a narrow lead as the Brewers edged the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in the opener of the World Series on Friday night, ending a 44-year wait to return to baseball's championship stage.
Yelich tripled home a run and later crossed the plate in the first inning, giving Milwaukee an immediate advantage that proved crucial in a low-scoring affair. The Brewers carried that slim cushion through most of the game as both pitching staffs limited big innings.
Relievers Misiorowski and Trevor Megill were tasked with shutting down a late Tampa Bay rally. Megill recorded the final out of the ninth by striking out Jonny DeLuca with runners on second and third, preserving the one-run margin and sealing the victory for Milwaukee.
DeLuca's strikeout followed a dramatic replay review earlier in the inning. What initially appeared to be a game-ending double play was overturned after video review determined Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt's right foot was slightly off the bag when he caught a throw from second baseman Brice Turang, allowing the rally to continue for the Rays.
The win gives Milwaukee a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and marks a long-awaited return to the World Series for the franchise. Game 1's combination of early offense and late-inning tension set the tone for what promises to be a closely contested championship series.