If you’re a Brewers fan, your nails have been chewed down to the nubs and your Pepto-Bismol has been drained down to the last drop.
Milwaukee has a closer who is on tilt. Trevor Megill has 30 saves in 2026, and only three blown saves. And he came into last night’s game with four saves and a win in five appearances. But, his saves have been anything but safe lately.
In Game 1 of the Division Series, with a 3-2 lead in the ninth, he allowed a single to the first Padres batter. Luckily, he got out of it, but not before the last Padres batter, the always dangerous Jackson Merrill, smashed a fly ball to deep, deep right field to end that one. And not before a whole lot anxiety in Brewers nation.
In Game 1 of the Championship Series, with a 2-1 lead in the ninth, he got the first two outs, but then walked the next two Dodgers hitters, bringing up the always dangerous Mookie Betts, who proceeded to smash a towering fly ball to deep right-center. Many cardiologists were consulted the next day by Brewers fans.
Then last night, in Game 1 of the World Series, with a 3-1 lead in the ninth, Megill came in and got a ground out to start the inning. Then he gave up a sharp single to left to bring up the tying run, then a bleeder through the infield to bring up the go-ahead run. A double steal by the Rays put runners at second and third. Megill then walked the bases loaded. Ever Brewers fan made a mad dash for the Tums. He coaxed what looked like a double play to end the game, only to discover the shortstop failed to touch second. The runner from third scored to make it 3-2. Now it was a one-run game, and the Rays had two runners on. And Brewers fans’ hearts were beating out of their chests. Disaster in the form of a tie game was just ninety feet away at third.
Ball way high. 1-0.
Foul ball. 1-1.
Ball not quite as high but still way high. 2-1.
Called strike. 2-2.
And 43.200 Brewers fans held the breath. Their first World Series game in 44 years. Come on. Come on. Athiests converted on the spot.
Strike three, swinging.
Brewers win Game 1, 3-2.
Nervous systems damaged.
*****
