October is almost over, and both No.1 seed teams are left standing. The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers will face off in the World Series, with both teams looking for their first World Series victory. The Rays enter the Fall Classic having beaten the Cleveland Guardians in six games, while the Brewers made quick work of the defending champions Los Angeles Dodgers, sweeping them in four games. With history on the line for both teams, here is a look at what each team will need to do to be crowned World Series champions.
How the Rays Can Win
Tampa Bay showed plenty of resilience in the ALCS, battling back from a 2-1 deficit against Cleveland to win the next three games to advance to the World Series. They were able to find success on both sides of the ball in the final three games, outscoring Cleveland 17-7. Their star pitcher, Drew Rasmussen, did his part, allowing three runs across 13 innings pitched. Pitcher Freddy Peralta was equally impressive, going 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA across 12 innings, en route to an ALCS MVP honors. On the offensive side, superstar third baseman Junior Caminero provided a big home run in the series clinching game, and designated hitter Yandy Diaz had two home runs in the series.
Looking at the series against the Brewers, the Rays will need its stars to continue their production and timely hitting. Their ability to bounce back against Cleveland showed that they can fight through adversity, something that can prove important against a Milwaukee team that will deploy their ace Jacob Misirowski in the first game. With Rasmussen and Peralta leading the rotation, Tampa Bay has the pitching to compete with Milwaukee’s talented staff. If the lineup can continue to produce, the Rays will have a strong chance to capture their first World Series title in franchise history.
How the Brewers Can Win
Milwaukee enters this series playing some of the best baseball they’ve played all season, quickly eliminating any doubts about their abilities to make a deep playoff run. Their pitching staff did an excellent job of limiting the long ball, allowing only one home run across the four games. They will also need their bullpen to continue to perform at a high level. Relief pitcher Aaron Ashby has been especially impressive this postseason, throwing 12 ⅓ scoreless innings across six appearances. Closer Trevor Megill, has also been lights out, not allowing a run over six appearances. The Brewers also benefited from exceptional performances from some of its less-heralded players.
NLCS MVP first baseman Jake Bauers had six runs batted in, center fielder Garrett Mitchell had two clutch home runs, and third baseman David Hamilton batted .571 while showing off his speed. It’ll be incredibly important for the Brewers to have this kind of offensive depth beyond their biggest stars going forward. Milwaukee might be the most complete ball club in baseball, with few glaring weaknesses. If they can continue to play the same well-rounded baseball that got them to this point, they’ll be a hard team to bet against.
My Prediction
Both teams have played outstanding baseball up to this point, and I expect this to be a competitive series. Tampa Bay has shown their ability to overcome adversity, and with Rasmussen and Peralta leading the charge, they will be able to stack up nicely with Milwaukee’s pitching staff. However, the Brewers really are the whole package. Their starting pitching has been excellent, their bullpen nearly unhittable, and they have received contributions at every spot in the batting order. I expect Tampa Bay to win a couple games behind their pitching staff, but Milwaukee’s depth and ability to find different ways to win will ultimately be the difference. After coming up short in previous postseason runs, I believe the Brewers will finally take home their first championship trophy.
Result: Brewers win in 6
No matter who comes out on top, we are guaranteed to witness history. Both teams have overcome challenges throughout the long season and are now just four wins away from their first ring. With two talented pitching staffs and lineups able to deliver in clutch moments, this series will be filled with drama and excitement.
