By Fatma Younis
The Milwaukee Brewers captured their first World Series championship in the franchise's 57-year history, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 on Wednesday in Florida to clinch the best-of-seven series 4-1.
Dominant Postseason Run
The Brewers, who entered the playoffs with MLB's best regular-season record for the second consecutive year, went 11-2 in the postseason. They swept the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series before dominating the World Series.
Contreras Named MVP
Catcher William Contreras was named the World Series Most Valuable Player, becoming the eighth catcher and third Venezuelan to win the award. The 28-year-old also helped Venezuela win the World Baseball Classic in March.
Game Five Summary
Milwaukee took an early lead in the second inning on a Cooper Pratt single that scored Brice Turang, added another run in the fifth on a David Hamilton hit, and extended the advantage with a Contreras double and Pratt sacrifice fly. Starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski exited in the sixth inning, and the Rays scored their only run in the ninth on a Chandler Simpson double.
Franchise History
The franchise entered MLB in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots before moving to Milwaukee after one season. The Brewers' only previous World Series appearance came in 1982.
