Brewers Prevent 3-Peat as World Series Match is Set

After Tuesdayʼs 7-3 win over Cleveland, the Tampa Bay Rays have secured their last out, winning the American League pennant. Friday, October 23rd will be the first pitch of the World Series as the Rays face the Milwaukee Brewers, who just swept the back-to-back World Series winners, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Neither the Brewers nor the Rays have ever won a World Series. The Brewers have made two appearances in the World Series, and the Rays have made it three times, but one of the teams will enter November a World Series champion for the first time in franchise history.

Wild Card Recaps:

The path for both teams was treacherous to reach the big-game. In the American League, the wild card round began with the Yankees and Red Sox. For the second year in a row, the Yankees overtook Boston. The most memorable moment was Cody Bellinger launching a grand slam in game two, to cap a six-run inning for the Yankees. Next, was the wild card round between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros. The Sox ended a five-year playoff appearance drought, before they beat the Astros, advancing to the ALDS.

In the National League, the Braves and Phillies went head-to-head against one another. While the Phillies pushed the series to a third game, they ultimately went down in Atlanta. San Diego rounded out the National League with another sweep of the Chicago Cubs. Nothing special about the NL.

Divisional Round Recaps:

During the American League Division Series, the Rays made quick work of the Yankees in a sweep, punching their ticket for the conference series. In the other ALDS game, Cleveland was waiting for the White Sox to slip up, and a Jose Ramirez two-run home run pushed the Guardians to victory in game five.

In the National Division League Series, the back-to-back champion Dodgers faced the 2021 champion Braves in a four-game series with the Dodgers taking a hold of the win in game four. In the bottom half of the bracket, the Milwaukee Brewersʼ pitching rotation caught fire and dismantled San Diego in only four games.

Championship Series Recaps:

During the American League Championship Series, Cleveland faced the Rays in a matchup that ended on Monday, October 19th. The Rays won in six games, sending Tampa Bay to the World Series for the first time since 2020, when the season was cut in half because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Rays lost that series 4-2 to the Dodgers, but with no Dodgers (or their $339 million payroll) in sight, they might have a chance to win it all. Even if they donʼt have to play LAʼs team, their opponent in Milwaukee is still dangerous. Uh oh!

In the National League Championship Series, the Dodgers and Brewers squared off in Milwaukee, a repeat of last year. The Dodgers lost the first two games, even after having a one run lead. The Brewers traveled to La-La-Land, and after a Shohei three-run home run, the Dodgers had life in the potential-elimination game. However, follorwing a two-run double in the fourth inning (courtesy of Milwaukee first-baseman Jake Bauers), the Brewers surged late and swept the Dodgers. After later drawing a bases-loaded walk to tie the game, Jake Bauers was named NLCS MVP. This matchup also made history as both the Brewers and Dodgers were swept by the other team in back-to-back years during the NLCS.

St. Paul's resident Dodger fanatic, Ms. Patino, had this to say on this NLCS loss: “ I am outraged! As a die-hard Dodger fan, it hurts to go through October without watching Dodger baseball and without that 3-peat. In all honesty, though, the Brewers are a great team and played the game the right way. We hope they win their first World Series. And shout-out to the Dodgers for letting the series go so that no one gets a salary cap.”

With the Championship Series wrapped up, the postseason picture of 2026 is set after three weeks of franchises contending for the throne. The final clash is in motion between the battle-tested Brewers of Milwaukee and the resilient Rays of Tampa Bay. First pitch it at 5pm on October 23rd (the date of this publication) in Milwaukee. Two teams who have never won the World Series will fight to get a championship ring. Who are you rooting for to win it all?

Score Predictions:

Ms. Gonzalez: Rays in 4

Mr. Tingleff: Brewers in 5

Mr. Vu: Brewers in 6

Mr. Dominguez: Rays in 6

Mr. Dixon: Lakers in 7?!