The Rays’ Chandler Simpson Lineup Debate

The Milwaukee Brewers won World Series Game 1 — TWICE?! ⚾🏆

Game 1 of the 2026 World Series had just about everything: a bizarre ninth-inning finish, a replay reversal after the fireworks had already gone off, record-breaking velocity, outstanding defense and some questionable strategic decisions from BOTH teams.

The Brewers escaped with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, taking a 1-0 series lead. But did Milwaukee win because of its execution, or did Tampa Bay make too many costly mistakes?

Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris are still in Milwaukee, breaking down everything they witnessed at American Family Field before turning their attention to a pivotal Game 2.

**THE GAME THAT ENDED TWICE**

Trevor Megill appeared to escape the ninth inning with a game-ending double play. The crowd erupted, fireworks went off — and then replay overturned the force at second base.

Megill had to regroup and strike out Jonny DeLuca to preserve Milwaukee's victory.

What was it like inside the stadium? And how did the momentum shift when thousands of celebrating fans suddenly realized the game wasn't over?

**WILLIAM CONTRERAS DOES IT ALL**

Contreras delivered at the plate, threw out two Rays baserunners and won two ABS challenges. DVR and Eno discuss why the Brewers catcher deserves Game 1 MVP consideration and how his defense could change Tampa Bay's entire offensive approach.

Plus, Jacob Misiorowski's record-breaking velocity, Junior Caminero's hard contact and the outfield plays that nearly changed the result.

**DID BOTH TEAMS MAKE COSTLY MISTAKES?**

The guys debate some of Game 1's biggest tactical decisions:

- Why did the Rays bat Chandler Simpson third instead of moving Junior Caminero higher?

- Was Victor Mesa Jr.'s attempt to steal third an unnecessary gamble?

- Did Tampa Bay botch a hit-and-run?

- Why did Milwaukee ask Garrett Mitchell to bunt with two runners aboard?

- Did Nick Martinez actually deliver exactly what the Rays needed despite the loss?

**GAME 2 PREVIEW: DREW RASMUSSEN vs. LOGAN HENDERSON**

With Milwaukee leading 1-0, Tampa Bay turns to Drew Rasmussen to even the World Series.

Eno breaks down Rasmussen's unusual three-fastball arsenal — the four-seamer, sinker and cutter — and what past matchups might tell us about Milwaukee's chances against him.

Can Jake Bauers, Christian Yelich and the Brewers' left-handed hitters break through?

For Milwaukee, Logan Henderson brings a deceptive fastball and excellent changeup, but his velocity hasn't increased much in October. Can he keep Tampa Bay's dangerous hitters off balance?

And could Liam Hicks or Victor Mesa Jr. be unexpected difference-makers against Henderson's offspeed pitches?

Finally, DVR and Eno make their Game 2 predictions — and both see an opportunity for Tampa Bay to even the series.

Do the Brewers take control with a 2-0 series lead, or will the Rays bounce back and even the World Series?

Let us know your Game 2 prediction in the comments!

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We're covering the World Series from Milwaukee, with additional content and behind-the-scenes moments from American Family Field.

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**CREDITS**

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis

Rates & Barrels | The Athletic

00:00 Brewers Survive a Wild World Series Game 1

09:22 William Contreras, Misiorowski and the Key Plays

15:33 Did the Nick Martinez Gamble Work?

21:16 Why Is Chandler Simpson Batting Third?

25:14 The Brewers' Bunt and Tactical Mistakes

28:50 Tampa Bay's Costly Baserunning Decisions

31:45 Drew Rasmussen's Three-Fastball Attack

36:10 Logan Henderson and the Game 2 Matchups

41:20 Game 1 MVP and Game 2 Predictions

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