World Series: Brewers Rout Rays 10-1, Take 3-0 Series Lead
Milwaukee set a postseason record with eight two-out runs in the fifth inning, extending their playoff lead to 3-0 over Tampa Bay.
By Carolina Wood ·
The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 on Monday night to secure a 3-0 lead in the World Series. The victory came after the Brewers scored a franchise-record eight runs in the fifth inning alone.
The rally began against former Brewer Freddy Peralta, who was replaced by left-hander Cam Booser with the bases loaded and two outs. Brice Turang grounded a ball past shortstop Taylor Walls for a two-run single. From that point, the Brewers recorded seven consecutive hits at one stage, setting a new postseason record for straight two-out hits.
Manager Pat Murphy emphasized that the team is not complacent despite the sweep. "The guys play hard," Murphy said. "They don't give in. They make every pitch count, and that's what it takes to win." He noted that Tampa Bay remains a capable opponent in a best-of-seven series.
Captain Christian Yelich credited Turang for igniting the offensive surge. "He had a great at-bat and made it count," Yelich stated. The Brewers have outscored the Rays 18-7 in the series, relying on contact hitting rather than power. They have hit only one home run in three games.
Jackson Chourio led all hitters with four base hits. William Contreras added three, bringing his postseason total to 18 hits, a new Milwaukee playoff record. Veteran Brandon Woodruff recorded the final three outs in the ninth inning. The 33-year-old pitcher made his first appearance since suffering a shoulder injury on July 4.
Rookie left-hander Robert Gasser started the game and held the Rays to one hit over six scoreless innings. His postseason earned run average dropped to 0.60. 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.
Tampa Bay third baseman Junior Caminero acknowledged the Brewers' dominance through an interpreter. "I assure you 100% that we want to give the best of each of us," Caminero said. "But they're just playing better and things are going their way." The Rays are playing their first home World Series game since 2008.
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night. If Milwaukee wins, they will join the 1976 Cincinnati Reds as the only teams to sweep both the League Championship Series and the World Series. The Brewers would be the first to achieve this since the LCS moved to a best-of-seven format in 1985. Outfielder Sal Frelick said the team will treat the next game with the intensity of a final match.
