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Ranking the five MLB teams that have never won a World Series: Who's next?

Robin Yount will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night in Milwaukee. The last time the Brewers played in the Fall Classic, in 1982, the Hall of Famer was their star shortstop. They lost Game 7 in St. Louis.

Forty-four years later, Milwaukee gets another chance to celebrate and possibly forever remove the Brewers from a list that nobody in baseball wants to be a part of. The Brewers are facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays, another of those teams that have never won a World Series championship. It's the first World Series between franchises that are vying for their first title since 1980 when the Philadelphia Phillies and Kansas City Royals faced off.

Five MLB franchises have never won a World Series, but by Halloween it will be an exclusive group of four. So who's closest? Here's how the five rank, from furthest to the closest to a first championship:

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies have something to build on. Colorado scored 752 runs – its most since 2019 – and ranked in the top seven in MLB in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging.

But their pitching has always been the issue. The staff finished last in baseball with a 6.28 ERA, and the Rockies went 58-104 for their fourth consecutive season with at least 100 loses.

Paul DePodesta, heading into his first full offseason as president of baseball operations, says the club will act early to find starting pitching. That's if he can find pitchers willing to pitch at that altitude. The franchise's only World Series trip ended in a sweep by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, and any route back goes through the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in that National League West.

Seattle Mariners

A year ago, Seattle was just outs from reaching its first World Series before George Springer's three-run homer in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series sent Toronto instead. The Mariners entered 2026 with the best World Series odds in the AL, according to FanGraphs. They finished 76-86.

Nearly everything broke bad for them. Brendan Donovan missed 84 games with a groin strain. Relievers Matt Brash, Cooper Criswell and Carlos Vargas missed 311 games combined. Julio Rodriguez hit .250 with a .718 OPS – both career lows. Cal Raleigh was batting .156 in August. They fired manager Dan Wilson at the end of the season.

The good news for them is that the Astros won the division with a .500 record, so the lane is open for them to get back into position.

San Diego Padres

The Padres won 91 games and made the playoffs for the third consecutive year – a first for the franchise. In the eighth inning of Game 4 of the National League Division Series in Milwaukee, Manny Machado drove a ball 406 feet. Garrett Mitchell caught it at the wall, and San Diego went home.

Machado is 34. He just posted a .711 OPS, the lowest of his career, and he's owed more than $39 million a year through 2033. Xander Bogaerts, also 34, hit for a .676 OPS and is signed through 2033, too.

Most of the rotation is about to hit free agency. New owners Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano paid $3.9 billion for the team this year, and nobody knows yet how much they'll spend to keep the Padres at the top.

Fernando Tatis Jr., 27, and Jackson Merrill, 23, give manager Craig Stammen something to work with. San Diego has been to two World Series. It lost to Detroit in five games in 1984 and got swept by the Yankees in 1998.

Tampa Bay Rays

Junior Caminero hit 42 homers this season. He is just 23 years old.

The Rays won 98 games and the American League pennant with a $95.6 million payroll – ranked 28th in baseball. Their starters have a 1.98 ERA this postseason, best among the 12 playoff teams. Their hitters struck out just 18.8% of the time in the regular season, the lowest rate in MLB.

Contact hitting now meets Jacob Misiorowski, whose fastball averaged 100.6 mph this season. Tampa Bay ranked 29th in OPS against pitches 98 mph or faster.

A loss would be their third in a World Series in 18 years, and ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta can be a free agent this winter. But Caminero is back and Kevin Cash, the longest-tenured manager in baseball with his current club, just keeps getting the Rays back to October.

Milwaukee Brewers

Last October the Dodgers swept the Brewers in the NLCS. This October, Milwaukee returned the favor.

The Brewers won 103 games – a franchise record and the most in baseball this season – and they're the favorites to win this series. Their best players are kids. Misiorowski, 24, led the majors with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts. Jackson Churios is 22. Shortstop Cooper Pratt made his debut this June.

Pat Murphy has won NL Manager of the Year twice in a row, and Milwaukee has made the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons. Losing this World Series would hurt a franchise that has waited 57 years.

But it wouldn't knock the Brewers off this spot as most the likely to win a World Series of the five franchises that have never won one.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking the five MLB teams that have never won a World Series: Who's next?

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Devils’ Connor Hellebuyck blockbuster puts yet another elite goalie in tri-state area

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin protects the net during a game, Image 2 shows Connor Hellebuyck was traded to the Devils on Friday. , Image 3 shows Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is sidelined with an injury.

OTTAWA — After Connor Hellebuyck was traded to the Devils on Friday, the Metropolitan Division is officially a gauntlet of goaltending. 

The deal — which features Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, Nick Bjugstad, Alexander Command, a 2027 seventh-round pick and a 2029 second-rounder as the return for the longtime Jets goalie — puts arguably the three best goaltenders in the world in the tri-state area. 

Teams will have to face Igor Shesterkin (when he returns from injury next season), Ilya Sorokin and Hellebuyck during the New York-New Jersey swing. 

Connor Hellebuyck was traded to the Devils on Friday. Getty Images

The Capitals also have Logan Thompson, a goalie with a career .911 save percentage, manning their net. 

“I mean, Sorokin, Hellebuyck, Shesterkin, it’s a lot of good goalie [play],” Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan said after practice at Canadian Tire Centre on Friday. “There’s a lot of good goalies. It’s going to challenge our shooters.” 

Since the 2020-21 season, when Sorokin made his NHL debut, the three tri-state netminders round out the top four save percentages in the league among goaltenders with at least 150 games played over that span. 

Though Shesterkin leads the pack with a .916 save percentage, which is tied with Ottawa’s Linus Ullmark, Hellebuyck and Sorokin are tied with the Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy at .915. 

The Rangers’ No. 1 goalie, who is out for the season with a knee injury he sustained in the club’s’ sixth game, has the best goals against average of the trio since 2020-21 at 2.51. 

Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Getty Images

Hellebuyck (2.55) has a slight edge over Sorokin (2.58) in that category. 

The Hellebuyck-to-New Jersey trade was a blockbuster that finally ended the 33-year-old’s saga in Winnipeg. 

After missing the playoffs last season, Hellebuyck requested a trade out of Winnipeg despite five seasons remaining on his contract. The Jets, Hellebuyck and his agent made it public at the end of August. 

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin protects the net during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, in Elmont, N.Y. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

His refusal to report to training camp, however, led to a team-imposed suspension. 

Crowned the best goaltender in the world as he accepted his Olympic gold medal with Team USA in Milan in February, Hellebuyck is now bringing his talents to the East Coast. 

For the second straight practice, Sean Durzi did not participate for what the Rangers are describing as “maintenance” purposes. 

Asked if there was concern about the 28-year-old defenseman not being able to play Saturday against the Senators, Sullivan did not offer much. 

“I don’t know. He’s got a maintenance day right now,” he said. “We’ll see how he is, and we’ll make a decision.” 

Matthew Robertson was recalled from Hartford late Friday night, which gives the Rangers two extra defensemen in case Durzi is unavailable.

Late in the third period in Monday’s win over the Ducks, Durzi blocked a shot that hit his hand. It’s unclear if there’s any correlation between the play and his maintenance days, but Durzi notably didn’t log any shorthanded minutes in Toronto on Thursday. 

After turning a professional tryout agreement into a one-year contract, Luke Glendening is eligible to make his Rangers debut any game now. Sullivan wouldn’t commit to when that would be. 

“We’re taking each day as it comes,” he said. “You know, see how he feels, and then we’ll make decisions game by game here. But we feel like he’s getting closer.” 

Eeli Tolvanen did not participate in practice Friday for personal reasons.

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Pistons vs. Heat Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 08: Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Kaseya Center on March 08, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Detroit Pistons are getting an early-season test with three games on the road against three of the most talked-about teams in the Eastern Conference. First up is a trip to Miami to face a Heat team now led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Afterwards, they’ll jet off to face the Philadelphia 76ers and then the New York Knicks.

First up, though, is Giannis. The Heat were embarassed 131-106 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on their opening not. There isn’t much shame to be had on being on the receiving end of a masterclass from Anthony Edwards, but 30-point blowouts are not what Miami had in mind when they traded for Giannis. The star forward equitted himself quite well, scoring 35 points and getting to the line 14 times. But outside Antetokounmpo, the lineup lacked punch and the bench was nonexistent. That was sorta the worry when Miami made their big moves.

For the Pistons, this could be a night where their depth is what propels them past the Heat. Detroit has a deep roster of folks who all defend their ass off, but can also occasionally pop off for buckets. Case in point, Game 1 hero Javonte Green. Perhaps tonight it will be Daniss Jenkins. Or maybe Ron Holland. Or maybe Isaiah Joe. But it feels like the game will be won when the lineups start changing.

Game Vitals

When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida
Watch: TV: 20 Detroit | Streaming: DAZN
Odds: Pistons -1.5

Projected Lineups

Detroit Pistons (1-0)

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Jalen Duren

Miami Heat (0-1)

Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo

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Rui Hachimura looking forward to playing on other side of Lakers-Clippers rivalry

Rui Hachimura is now in his fifth NBA season in Los Angeles but returns to Crypto.com Arena wearing a different uniform.

He spent the past three-plus seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before signing with the L.A. Clippers as a free agent during the offseason. The Lakers and Clippers play Friday night.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Hachimura said Wednesday after the Clippers’ season-opening win over the Sacramento Kings. “I’m going to see all my old teammates and coaches. Playing in that arena is special. I’m excited.” 

The former Gonzaga basketball player signed a two-year deal with the Clippers worth $28 million.

“I’m excited to see the fans,” Hachimura said. “I love them. It’s a special game but we got to get the win.”

Hachimura nearly produced a double-double in his debut with the Clippers. He finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes of play as a starter.

Rui Hachimura on Friday's game vs. Lakers

Hachimura spent the first three-plus seasons of his career with the Washington Wizards before he was traded to the Lakers in January 2023.

The Japanese player started nine of the 33 games he played for the Lakers that season. He earned a key role in the rotation.

He averaged 45 starts per season during his final three seasons with the Lakers. He averaged 12.3 points and 4.3 rebounds during his tenure with the Lakers, shooting 41.5% from the 3-point line.

Lakers coach JJ Redick knows what kind of person Hachimura is after two seasons as his coach, and he knows what kind of threat Hachimura will be as an opposing player now.

“In terms of his offensive packaging, he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA,” Redick told reporters this week. “We got him at a good point in his career. ... His mid-range game is great. 

“He's one of my favorite players I've ever been around in the NBA and one of my favorite players that I've ever coached and it's because of the consistency of joy and personality that he brings every day.”

Lakers standout Austin Reaves shared a similar sentiment about Hachimaura and described his initial reaction to him.

“He's an unbelievable human, but I didn't know if he spoke English for the first two weeks,” Reaves told reporters. “I would sit by him on the plane and he didn't speak to me and then after that I couldn't get him to shut up, but he's a great guy and a great player and I miss him.”

When will Clippers play Lakers?

The Clippers will visit the Lakers Friday for a Pacific Division game at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off should come shortly after 7 p.m. PT.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rui Hachimura looking forward to playing on other side of Lakers-Clippers rivalry

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2026 World Series discussion thread: Game 1

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 01: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Kylie Bridenhagen/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays met during the opening week of the 2026 season. Now, nearly seven months later, they’ll meet again with both franchises chasing their first World Series championship.

Milwaukee hosts its first Fall Classic game since 1982 after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. The Brewers have won seven of their eight postseason games, powered by a roster assembled through shrewd acquisitions and player development.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, returns to the World Series for the third time in franchise history after defeating Cleveland in the ALCS. The Rays have relied on a mix of star power and complementary players, with Chandler Simpson bringing elite speed and Junior Caminero supplying top-shelf power.

Taking the mound for Milwaukee in Game 1 is Jacob Misiorowski, the presumptive National League Cy Young Award winner. The 24-year-old posted a 1.80 ERA with 252 strikeouts in 174.2 innings during the regular season, relying heavily on a four-seam fastball that averaged 100.6 mph. Misiorowski faced Tampa Bay on April 1, allowing two runs over six innings while striking out seven.

Misiorowski’s four-seam fastball has seen its whiff rate drop from roughly 40% during the regular season to just 16% this postseason, leaving his breaking pitches to do more of the work. Still, he has recorded 11 strikeouts in 8.1 innings across two starts.

The Rays counter with veteran right-hander Nick Martinez, who posted a 3.10 ERA over 180 regular-season innings while walking just 3.6% of opposing hitters. Martinez relies on a six-pitch mix and exceptional command. He also faced the Brewers during the opening week, allowing two runs over six innings on March 30.

Martinez has leaned more heavily on his cutter this postseason, his most effective pitch by run value during the regular season. Unfortunately for him, it’s also a pitch that two of Milwaukee’s most dangerous hitters, Brice Turang and William Contreras, have handled especially well.

Neither starter has pitched particularly deep into games this postseason, and both offenses have a way of making pitchers work. That means the two teams’ very different bullpens could play a major role in the series.

Tampa Bay Rays (0-0) at Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) – 6:00 PM MDT

Pitching Matchup: RHP Nick Martinez (1-0, 3.00 postseason ERA) vs. RHP Jacob Misiorowski (0-0, 3.24 postseason ERA)

SB Nation sites:DRaysBay | Brew Crew Ball

Radio: ESPN Radio

TV: FOX

Lineups:

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Come chat the Rays vs. Brewers World Series with Bucs Dugout!

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 01: Garrett Mitchell #5 of the Milwaukee Brewers steals second base as Ben Williamson #15 of the Tampa Bay Rays takes the throw in the second inning at American Family Field on April 01, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Milwaukee Brewers, October 23, 2026, 8:00 p.m. ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are back on the couch once again for the start of the World Series, featuring two teams searching for their first title in franchise history.

The Tampa Bay Rays will travel to American Family Field to take on the Milwaukee Brewers in a Fall Classic that will celebrate the small market.

Both teams finished atop their respective leagues and made it through the first two rounds of the postseason. The Brewers took care of the San Diego Padres in four games before sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS to get payback for last year.

Meanwhile, the Rays swept their division rival, the New York Yankees, before dismantling the Cleveland Guardians in six games in the ALCS.

Both teams have slight connections to the Pirates, as the Brewers are a division rival of theirs. The Pirates won the season series against the Brewers 7-6, so that should say something about Pittsburgh and their slow, meteoric rise in the NL Central.

The Rays made a big trade with the Pirates in the offseason, where Tampa sent relief pitcher Mason Montgomery to the Bucs.

Be sure to check out our sister sites for coverage of the World Series: DRaysBay and Brew Crew Ball.

Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI

Broadcast: FOX, FOX One app

Pitching Matchup: Nick Marinez vs. Jacob Misiorowski

BD community, this is your gameday thread for Game 1 of the 2026 World Series. Chime off in the comments section below.

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World Series Game 1 discussion thread

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 04: Nick Martinez #28 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on September 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is World Series time!

The Rays play in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Jacob Misiorowski pitches for the Brewers, while our old friend Nick Martinez pitches for the Rays.

It is a 7:00 p.m. start on Fox.

Talk about it here.

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2026 World Series Game 1: Rays at Brewers, 7 p.m. CT

This article published here earlier this week contains my thoughts about this World Series and who I’m rooting for. You can also read more about these teams and this matchup at Sara Sancbez’s World Series preview for Cubs fans.

Can’t really add anything to that other than I’m hoping for a seven-game series because, well, more baseball is always good and after it’s over, we don’t know when we will next see MLB players on the field because of the looming owners’ lockout.

Enjoy the games.

7 p.m. CT: Rays at Brewers

TV: Fox-TV. Announcers: Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci.

Nick Martinez, RHP vs. Jacob Misiorowski, RHP

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com preview

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Draymond Green sounds alarm on Luka Dončić’s MVP chances

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Luka Doncic in a Lakers jersey, Image 2 shows Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors on the court, Image 3 shows Luka Doncic in a Lakers uniform smiles while Draymond Green in a Warriors uniform claps

Luka Dončić looked like an NBA MVP candidate during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 127-105 win over the Golden State Warriors.

But looks can be deceiving, or at least tiresome over a prolonged period of time.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic looks on during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg

This is why Warriors star forward Draymond Green doesn’t believe Dončić can win the NBA MVP award, which he conveyed when speaking to The Athletic for an article that was published on Friday.

“Nah, I don’t think there’s anything that [Dončić] can do [to win MVP]. And by the way, it’s not a knock on him. I don’t think there is anything that he can do. If they’re the 1, 2, 3 seed — great. It’s still Luka Dončić,” Green was quoted as saying.

“No one is going to be surprised that Luka Dončić’s team is the 4 seed. Nobody. He’s that good. There’s no element of surprise if his team is the fourth seed,” he added.

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Getty Images
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. Getty Images

“I just think, ultimately, he gets screwed because of it. And it’s probably a little unfair. Anybody else puts those numbers up, and they’re walking away with the MVP. Like, home free. That’s why I made the comparison to [LeBron James]. He’s got, what, four MVPs? You’re telling me he wasn’t the best player in the NBA for at least 10 seasons? It’s greatness fatigue,” Green continued.

In other words, Green believes that Dončić — whose 33.5 points per game last season led the league — has been great for so long, that the basketball community has become numb to this sustained greatness. And that’s what will ultimately keep him from winning MVP.

Perhaps Dončić can prove Green wrong.

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World Series Game 1 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) vs Tampa Bay Rays (0-0)

Milwaukee Brewers
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 22: World Series signage is seen during a workout day prior to game on of the 2026 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 22, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A game 44 years in the making. At long last, Game 1 of the World Series is finally here. The Milwaukee Brewers will face the Tampa Bay Rays to determine who will be the champion in 2026.

Both teams are seeking their first World Series title. The Rays have been here twice before, in 2008 and again in 2020. The Brewers have been just once before, all the way back in 1982.

Both teams were the best in their league this year. The Brewers ran through the National League with a 103-59 record, winning the NL Central by 14 games. The Rays won the AL East by 4.5 games. In the LDS, the Brewers dispatched the San Diego Padres in four games, while the Rays swept the New York Yankees in three. Then in the LCS, the Brewers swept the Dodgers in four games while the Rays fell behind to the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 through three games, but then rattled off three wins in a row to beat Cleveland in six.

The Rays have had three full days off since their last game. The Brewers have had a week off. Finally, after all the anticipation, we are back to baseball.

Also back to baseball is Brewers veteran ace Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff hasn’t pitched in a game since the 4th of July, but he has recovered from a shoulder injury and after throwing live BP to the Brewers top hitters during the week, Woodruff was put on the 26 man roster for the World Series.

“I expressed how I felt about things and kind of where I was and I was very truthful and very open. It came down to I want one thing, whether I was on the roster or not, and that’s to win. So whatever was decided, I was good with.” Woodruff said.

“We feel like there’s a window where he can help us. That was the whole decision. This isn’t a wow, we love Woody, he’s great for the organization, because he already said to us, I don’t want to be a sympathy pick. I want to be a pick because I can help the team. Then you go through all the things and say, can he help us? The answer is yes, he can definitely help us.” Pat Murphy said.

The Brewers removed Chad Patrick to make room for Woodruff. Patrick had not pitched in either the NLDS or NLCS.

Woodruff will not be starting Game 1, however. That honor, unsurprisingly, belongs to Jacob Misiorowski. Misiorowski has started each Game 1 of the postseason for the Brewers. He hasn’t been his usual sharp self that he was during the regular season, which can partially be attributed to fatigue after a long year with more innings than he’s ever thrown in his life. Even though he hasn’t pitched as deep into games or been as sharp, he’s still kept the Brewers in those games and the Brewers have won both of his starts.

On the flip side, the Rays will have Nick Martinez on the mound, allowing an extra day of rest for Tampa’s aces Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta. Martinez had a 3.10 ERA in the regular season. In his two starts in the postseason, Martinez went 3.2 IP and allowed two earned runs in his start against the Yankees. Then in the ALCS, Martinez went 5.1 IP, allowing just two hits and one run.

The Brewers are shaking things up a little with their lineup. Jackson Chourio remains in the leadoff spot, that’s unchanged. But following him is Jake Bauers batting second and Christian Yelich batting third. Then William Contreras is batting cleanup, followed by Brice Turang and Garrett Mitchell. Cooper Pratt is at shortstop batting seventh while Sal Frelick and David Hamilton round out the bottom of the order. That’s three righties in the lineup each with two lefties in between them.

The Rays lineup is also intriguing. Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda are batting 1-2 atop the order. That’s not new. But Chandler Simpson, the speedster, with a whopping zero career home runs in his two years in the league, is batting 3rd, a traditional power spot. His role is to get on base for the real power hitter batting cleanup, Junior Caminero. Liam Hicks and Jonny Deluca fill out the rest of the middle of the order. Then Victor Mesa Jr, Ben Williamson, and Taylor Walls round out the bottom of the lineup.

It’s the Brewers and the Rays in the 122nd World Series. Here we go.

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Lakers need to stack wins now before the schedule turns nasty

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler dunks the basketball, Image 2 shows Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during a game against the Golden State Warriors, Image 3 shows Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick stands on the sideline with his arms crossed during a game against the Golden State Warriors

During JJ Redick’s tenure as the Lakers head coach, the team has gotten off to strong starts to seasons. 

They have a golden opportunity to do so again this year. 

The Lakers usually get off to strong starts to seasons under head coach JJ Redick. NBAE via Getty Images

And considering what’s waiting for them in the winter, it’s an opportunity they have to capitalize on.

The Lakers are projected to have one of the league’s easiest schedules through the first 10 games of the season for each team when accounting for opponents’ projected over/under win total for the 2026-27 season. 

While they have matchups against respectable opponents who are projected to be playoff contenders in the first couple of weeks of the season, such as the Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 matchups against the Raptors and Heat, respectively, or even two games against the Trail Blazers (Tuesday and Nov. 6), they still have a favorable schedule to open the season compared to most teams.

A healthy Luka Doncic will be key for the Lakers to have a strong start to the season. NBAE via Getty Images

When accounting for Friday’s home game against the Clippers, the Lakers have four combined matchups against their in-city rival and the Warriors, who they blew out to open the season on Wednesday, within the first three weeks of the season. 

Both teams are expected to fight for a spot in the play-in tournament.

The Jazz, who the Lakers will play on Sunday in Salt Lake City, also fit the mold of a team expected to be fighting for a spot in the tournament that the Lakers should have an early advantage against.

It’s no secret that the top of the Western Conference, and the six guaranteed playoff spots, are going to be a battle to claim. 

Walker Kessler will be key for the Lakers to start strong. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

The Lakers are projected to compete with the Nuggets, Rockets and Timberwolves for spots Nos. 3-6 in the West’s standings, with the Thunder and Spurs battling for the top two spots. 

They’re no strangers to what a strong start to a season can do for a team. 

The Lakers’ 10-4 start to 2024-25 helped them achieve their first 50-win season in a few years despite the roster changes, which included acquiring superstar guard Luka Doncic in February 2025.

Starting the 2025-26 season 15-4 helped them withstand injuries to key players and subpar play from December-February before tearing it up in March en route to a 53-win season.

It would behoove the Lakers to get off to another strong start this year considering it should be easier for them compared to most teams.

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World Series Game 1 Thread

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 22: World Series signage is seen during a workout day prior to game on of the 2026 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 22, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here we go everyone! The moment all baseball fans have been waiting for. The World Series! It all begins tonight as the Tampa Bay Rays arrive in Milwaukee for the first game of the Fall Classic. One of these teams is going to win their first World Series. Who wants it more?

Rays at Brewers (5:00 PST)

The Rays have right-hander Nick Martinez (15-6, 3.10 ERA) on the mound tonight for Game 1. The one-year deal they dished out to him last offseason has more than paid off, but now they’ll up the stakes asking him to help the squad go up 1-0 in the World Series. It’s easily the biggest start of his career. How will the veteran do on the biggest stage in the sport?

Here’s how the Rays are lining up for this one:

The Brew Crew meanwhile have ace right-hander Jacob Misiorowski (16-5, 1.80 ERA) getting the call for this epic contest. Considered the overwhelming favorite to win this year’s NL Cy Young, Misiorowski is the best pitcher in the sport today and you literally can not ask for a better starter to take the ball for the first game of the World Series. The Brewers have to feel confident with their starter today.

And the Brewers’ starting nine:

One of these teams is going to be a game closer to their first championship. Who takes Game 1 of the World Series tonight?

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The Rays and Brewers are set to face off in Game 1 of the World Series

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 23: Milwaukee Brewers mascot, Bernie Brewer, is seen prior to game one of the 2026 World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field on October 23, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For the first time since 1980, two teams who have never won the World Series are about to face off in the fall classic. The winner gets to celebrate the greatest moment in franchise history, and the loser gets stuck on a shrinking and increasingly ignominious list with the Rockies, Padres and Mariners.

Despite these teams not being associated with historical success, they were clearly the class of the field this year, with the Rays winning an AL leading 98 games, and the Brewers winning an MLB leading 103. This, along with the brand of baseball typically displayed whenever these squads take the field, gives us hope that the World Series will produce something far more compelling than anything else we’ve seen to this point in a postseason that’s lacked the top shelf drama we often see in October.

Out of the gate, the flame throwing Jacob Misiorowski will be the big topic of conversation, but as it always the case in the World Series, many other storylines we can’t even imagine are about to unfold. So let’s get to the lineups and the game thread where we can watch them unfold together below.

Today’s Lineups

RAYSBREWERS
Yandy Diaz – DHJackson Chourio – LF
Jonathan Aranda – 1BJake Bauers – 1B
Chandler Simpson – LFChristian Yelich – DH
Junior Caminero – 3BWilliam Contreras – C
Liam Hicks – CBrice Turang – 2B
Jonny DeLuca – CFGarrett Mitchell – CF
Victor Mesa – RFCooper Pratt – SS
Ben Williamson – 2BSal Frelick – RF
Taylor Walls – SSDavid Hamilton – 3B
Nick Martinez – RHPJ. Misiorowski – RHP

⚾️ First Pitch: 8:00pm — American Family Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

📺 TV: FOX

📻 Radio: ESPN Radio, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio

Join us in the game thread below!

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Game Discussion Thread: Knicks at Celtics, October 23, 2026

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 9: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics boxes out OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks during the game on April 9, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

One team will leave TD Garden with an even 1-1 record after tonight’s game between two winless clubs, the Knicks and Celtics. No stars appear on the injury report. Fun Fact: These franchises have played more regular-season games against each other than any other NBA pair. And, yes, tonight we’ll see Benedict Robinson in Celtic green. Prepare the vomit bucket!

Game time is 7 p.m. EST on Amazon Prime. This is your game thread. This is CelticsBlog. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Enjoy yourselves. And go Knickerbockers!

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World Series Game 1 – Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 25: Nick Martinez #28 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Great American Ball Park on July 25, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 World Series commences on Friday night in Milwaukee as the Brewers play host to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 at American Family Field. It’s still Miller Park, but you get it.

The hosts will turn again to fireballing Jacob Misiorowski as their starter for the evening, so be prepared for the adrenaline to push over some 105 mph heaters to begin the Top of the 1st. Tampa, meanwhile, will counter with former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez, who’s fresh off a year that would’ve been very, very nice to still have on the Reds roster.

The roof will apparently be closed for this one. First pitch is set for shortly after 8:00 PM ET, as it will be for each and every game of the series. FOX will be doing the broadcasting, unfortunately, meaning you’ll be forced to listen to John Smoltz throughout.

One of these generations it would be nice to see the Reds again on this stage. Alas.

Here’s how both clubs will line up to start Game 1: