The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night at American Family Field, surviving a late rally to secure the victory in the franchise’s first appearance in the Fall Classic since 1982.

Milwaukee struck first in the opening inning, with Christian Yelich driving in a run on a triple before William Contreras added another run with an RBI single. The early two-run advantage gave the Brewers an important start in front of their home crowd.

Tampa Bay responded in the fourth inning when Logan Hicks grounded out to second base, allowing Jonathan Aranda to score and cutting Milwaukee’s lead to 2-1. However, the Brewers kept the Rays off the scoreboard for the next two innings before adding an insurance run in the seventh on a single by Jackson Chourio.

Milwaukee’s starting pitcher, Jacob Misiorowski, delivered five strong innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out five batters. The Brewers’ bullpen then worked to preserve the lead as Tampa Bay attempted to mount a comeback.

The most dramatic moment came in the ninth inning, when the Rays threatened to erase Milwaukee’s advantage. Tampa Bay loaded the bases and scored another run, bringing the tying run into scoring position. A potential game-ending double play was overturned following a replay review after Milwaukee shortstop Cooper Pratt’s foot came off second base.

With the game still hanging in the balance, Brewers closer Trevor Megill struck out Jonny DeLuca with runners on second and third to end the threat and secure the 3-2 victory.

The win gives Milwaukee a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven World Series. The Brewers are seeking the first championship in franchise history, while Tampa Bay is pursuing its first title after previous World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020.

Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday night in Milwaukee before the series shifts to Tampa Bay for the next three games.