World Series Game 2 is set, and the pitching matchups are mouth-watering. After Jacob Misiorowski and Drew Rasmussen duel in Friday’s opener, the Brewers will send Logan Henderson (11-3, 2.47 ERA) against the Rays’ Nick Martinez (15-6, 3.10 ERA) in Game 2 on Saturday at American Family Field.
Henderson was Milwaukee’s unsung hero this season with a microscopic 2.47 ERA across 18 starts. Martinez, the veteran, compiled a pristine 2.38 road ERA in 31 starts. Game 3 on Monday in Tampa would feature Freddy Peralta — the former Brewer — against Milwaukee’s Robert Gasser.
Brewers open as favorites
Milwaukee is a -162 favorite for Game 1 (Rays +134), with the total set at 6 runs, according to DraftKings Sportsbook via SI. The Brewers, owners of a franchise-record 103 wins and fresh off sweeping the defending champion Dodgers, have home-field advantage throughout.
Rasmussen (16-5, 2.67 ERA) starts the opener on regular rest after Game 5 of the ALCS, while Misiorowski (16-5, 1.80 ERA) — the NL Cy Young favorite — anchors Milwaukee.
History on the line
It’s the first World Series since 1980 between two franchises that have never won a title, guaranteeing a first-time champion. Games 1 and 2 are Friday and Saturday in Milwaukee (8 p.m. ET, FOX), before the series shifts to Tropicana Field.
The pitching matchup is a study in contrasts that should delight baseball purists. Henderson’s power arsenal, built on velocity and swing-and-miss stuff, goes up against Martinez’s finesse, command, and veteran guile — it is the classic baseball duel, and Game 2’s outcome may hinge on which starter blinks first. Both bullpens are rested and at full strength, adding another fascinating layer of intrigue to the late innings.
For Milwaukee, the opportunity is golden. A 2-0 series lead heading on the road would put the Brewers in a commanding position, and the home crowd at American Family Field knows exactly what is at stake. For Tampa Bay, the mission is survival — earn a split in the first two games, and the series becomes a best-of-five with all momentum up for grabs. The stage is set for an October classic.
After the Game 1 aces duel and Friday’s first pitch, October baseball doesn’t get better than this.
