MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 24, 2026, 10:40 PM ET

World Series Opener

The Brewers took Game 1 espn.com in Milwaukee, surviving a ninth-inning jam and replay drama that included a seemingly game-ending double play. Milwaukee escaped the ninth espn.com with the lead intact after a late scare. Contreras and Mitchell each drove in a run espn.com to cut the Brewers' deficit in half during Game 2 action.

Rays Lineup Decisions

Tampa Bay surprised observers espn.com by starting Nick Martinez over staff ace Drew Rasmussen in Game. The Rays also insisted espn.com they will stay aggressive on the bases despite two costly baserunning miscues.

Milwaukee's Homecoming

Fans celebrated espn.com the franchise's first Fall Classic appearance in 44 years with tailgates and watch parties across the city. The Brewers' last trip came in 1982, a stretch that recalls espn.com a very different era of baseball.

Series Context

This all-dome matchup features espn.com the two teams with the best records in their respective leagues. Commissioner Rob Manfred argued espn.com that a small-market Rays-Brewers final is good for the game, though he still wants a salary cap. Analysts weighed in espn.com on MVP candidates and projected series length, while a player-by-player breakdown ranked espn.com the rosters of both clubs.

Around the League

Former Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui was named manager espn.com of Japan's Yomiuri Giants. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt dismissed espn.com Mariners rumors and confirmed he will manage Cleveland in 2027.

Coming Up

Game 2 of the World Series follows espn.com in Milwaukee with both lineups already posted.