World Series: Brewers' Record Rally Seals 3-0 Lead Over Rays
Milwaukee scored eight runs with two out in the fifth inning to defeat Tampa Bay 10-1, making them one victory away from their first championship.
By Haruka Ricci ·
The Milwaukee Brewers hold a three games to none lead in the World Series after a 10-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night. The win positions the Brewers for their first franchise championship if they win the next game in St. Petersburg. The series lead places the team in a historically dominant spot, though players emphasize that the series is not yet decided.
The Brewers took control during the fifth inning when they scored a World Series record eight runs with two out. Brice Turang started the rally with a sharp grounder that slipped past shortstop Taylor Walls for a two-run single. The team then strung together seven consecutive two-out hits to finish the inning. This sequence sets a new postseason record for consecutive two-out hits. The Brewers reached the plate without hitting a home run during the entire game.
Rookie left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser anchored the staff. He recorded the minimum number of outs over six shutout innings while holding Tampa Bay to a single hit. Gasser becomes the first left-handed pitcher to face the minimum over at least six innings of a World Series game since Sandy Koufax in 1965. His performance lowers his postseason earned run average to 0.60 over 15 innings.
Jackson Chourio led the offense with four hits. William Contreras added three hits, bringing his postseason total to 18. Contreras now holds the record for the most hits in Milwaukee playoff history. Brandon Woodruff finished the game, recording the last three outs. Woodruff, 33, made his first appearance since injuring his shoulder on July 4.
The Brewers have outscored the Rays 18-7 in the series. They have hit only one home run in the three games. This approach mirrors the grinding style that helped them achieve an MLB-high 103 wins during the regular season. The team also started the playoffs with a 10-1 record.
Tampa Bay is playing its first home World Series game since 2008. A large contingent of Brewers fans filled Tropicana Field, creating a loud atmosphere that players noted during introductions and the fifth inning. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero said the Brewers are currently playing better and that things are going their way.
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night. If Milwaukee wins, they will become the first team since 1985 to sweep both the league championship series and the World Series. That would match the 1976 Cincinnati Reds. In the 121 World Series before this one, all 25 teams that held a 3-0 lead went on to win the title. Twenty-one of those series ended in a sweep.
Source: ESPN
