Misiorowski, Rays’ Power and Milwaukee’s Long Wait Shape World Series Opener

The Brewers and Rays begin their pursuit of a first World Series championship on Friday, October 23, at American Family Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, or 9 a.m. Saturday in Japan. Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski is set to face Tampa Bay’s Nick Martinez in a matchup between the regular-season wins leaders from each league. For Milwaukee, a central question is how deep Misiorowski can pitch. He has allowed three runs and struck out 11 across 8 1/3 innings in two postseason starts. The Brewers won both games, but opponents extended at-bats with foul balls and prevented him from completing five innings in either outing. A longer start would ease the workload on Milwaukee’s bullpen. Tampa Bay will look to turn its power into an advantage. The Rays hit 15 more home runs than the Brewers during the regular season, but Milwaukee leads them 10-7 in postseason homers. Junior Caminero, who hit 42 during the regular season, delivered his first career playoff homer in ALCS Game 6. Whether that swing signals a sustained surge could matter considerably in this series. The setting adds another dimension. Milwaukee last hosted a World Series game in 1982, when the Brewers still played in the American League. They won Game 5 at home to take a 3-2 series lead, then lost the final two games in St. Louis. After a 44-year wait, the city gets another chance to welcome baseball’s championship stage.