Game 1 of the World Series is tonight in Milwaukee. The Brewers have had eight days off by virtue of sweeping the Dodgers, having last played on October 15. Jacob Misiorowski starts for Milwaukee, well rested and ready to fire his 104-miles-per-hour fastball at Rays hitters.

The Rays knocked off the Guardians in six games, having last played on Monday. They’ve decided to give their ace, Drew Rasmussen, an extra day of rest, holding him back for Game 2 tomorrow. They’re starting Nick Martinez. He led all of major league baseball with one complete game. How he ever recovered from such a tiring ordeal is stuff of legend.

While the Brewers boast Misiorowski and his minuscule MLB-leading 1.80 ERA, the Rays seem to have the advantage in starting pitching. But the way managers use their bullpens these days, rotation depth is no longer a huge advantage. It’s not like you will ever see a number five rotation arm take the ball for a start. You rarely see a number four anymore. They come out of the pen now. Even the guys who start are rarely asked to go more than four innings, especially if they commit the unpardonable sin of allowing a baserunner in the fourth or beyond. 

Milwaukee fans have waited 44 years to return to the World Series, just their second. For Tampa Bay, this is their third trip, the first one being in 2008, then 2020. 

It’s a battle of two teams that play the most enjoyable brand of baseball. Hope it goes seven. There are nails to bite and hearts to pound.

*****