The Brewers will open the 2026 World Series at home Friday with Jacob Misiorowski facing Rays right-hander Nick Martinez. Milwaukee is making its first World Series appearance since 1982, while Tampa Bay turns to a veteran starter who has delivered strong results on the road this season.

By the Numbers
  • Misiorowski led MLB with 252 regular-season strikeouts.
  • His first pitch in the NLDS reached 104.8 mph, the fastest pitch recorded in the playoffs since tracking began.
  • Martinez posted a 2.43 road ERA this season, compared with a 3.90 ERA at home.
  • Game 1 is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
Yes, But

Misiorowski has been dominant, but his postseason outings have been brief: 4 innings and 4 1/2 innings in his first two starts. Martinez brings more playoff experience and has pitched effectively away from home, though he is 36 and will be making his third start of these playoffs.

State of Play
  • Misiorowski will have 11 days of rest before his Game 1 start.
  • Martinez’s last two postseason outings ended in road wins for Tampa Bay.
  • Drew Rasmussen and ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta are expected to start Games 2 and 3 for the Rays.
What's Next

The series begins Friday at American Family Field, airing on Fox, Fox One and Fox Deportes. Tampa Bay is expected to follow Martinez with Rasmussen and Peralta in the next two games.

Bottom Line

Game 1 pits Misiorowski’s overpowering stuff against Martinez’s experience and road success. Milwaukee’s key question is whether its young ace can turn his brief postseason starts into enough length to set the tone.