World Series: Brewers Take 3-0 Lead Over Rays
Milwaukee scored a series-record eight runs in the fifth inning to win 10-1, while rookie pitcher Robert Gasser set a statistical benchmark for left-handed starters.
By Christopher Singh ·
The Milwaukee Brewers secured a 3-0 lead in the World Series on Monday night by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1. The decisive factor was a fifth-inning rally in which the Brewers scored a World Series record eight runs, all with two outs. This performance moved Milwaukee one win away from its first franchise championship.
The offensive surge began against former Brewer Freddy Peralta, who was replaced by left-handed pitcher Cam Booser with the bases loaded and two outs. Brice Turang grounded a double that evaded shortstop Taylor Walls, scoring two runners. The Brewers followed with seven consecutive hits, a new postseason record, to complete the inning without a home run. Jackson Chourio led the team with four hits, while William Contreras added three, bringing his postseason total to 18.
Rookie left-hander Robert Gasser delivered a dominant performance on the mound. He limited the Rays to one hit over six shutout innings. Gasser faced the minimum number of batters, becoming the first left-handed pitcher to do so over at least six innings in a World Series game since Sandy Koufax in 1965. His postseason ERA dropped to 0.60 over 15 innings.
Veteran Brandon Woodruff finished the game, securing his first appearance since a shoulder injury sustained on July 4. The 33-year-old, the longest-tenured player on the roster, recorded the final three outs. Manager Pat Murphy emphasized that the team remains focused on winning each pitch, noting that the Rays remain a capable opponent despite the three-game deficit.
The Brewers have outscored Tampa Bay 18-7 across the three games played. They have hit just one home run during the series, relying on a style of play that contributed to an MLB-high 103 wins during the regular season. In the 121 World Series prior to this one, all 25 teams that took a 3-0 lead went on to win the title. Twenty-one of those series ended in a sweep.
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. A victory would make Milwaukee the first team since the 1985 season to sweep both the League Championship Series and the World Series. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero acknowledged the Brewers' superior performance, stating through an interpreter that the visitors are playing better and things are going their way.
Brewers fans filled a large portion of the stadium, creating a home-team atmosphere that was evident during introductions and the fifth-inning rally. Outfielder Sal Frelick said the team will treat the next game with the same intensity as a Game 7, focusing on winning every at-bat to secure the trophy.
