The Milwaukee Brewers secured their first championship in franchise history with a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field. Despite the defeat, Rays manager Kevin Cash gave Milwaukee its flowers, highlighting the group that consistently gave Tampa Bay trouble throughout the World Series.
Cash had high praise for Milwaukee's relief corps, describing the Brewers' bullpen as "as elite of a bullpen as I've ever seen."
The Brewers gave Cash plenty of reason to make that assessment. Their bullpen consistently frustrated Tampa Bay, shutting down rallies in tight contests and leaving the Rays unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities when it mattered most.
Oct 27, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) reacts during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game four of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Aaron Ashby emerged as one of Milwaukee's most dominant relievers, opening the postseason with 15 2/3 scoreless innings. That mark ranks second in MLB history for consecutive scoreless innings to start a postseason, trailing only Andrew Miller's 16-inning streak in 2016. Ashby also recorded three saves, including the decisive final out in Game 2, when the tying run stood just 90 feet from home.
Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe also played crucial roles in Milwaukee's late inning dominance. Megill navigated a nerve-racking ninth in Game 1, striking out Jonny DeLuca after a replay review overturned what initially appeared to be a game-ending double play. Uribe made his own impact in Game 2, earning the win after holding Tampa Bay hitless over 1 1/3 innings.
Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers celebrate with the Commissioner's Trophy during the Awards Ceremony after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays to win the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Oct 28, 2026.
Kevin Cash knows a thing or two about managing a bullpen, making his praise of Milwaukee's relievers particularly meaningful. Tampa Bay has built a reputation for developing versatile relief pitchers, with Bryan Baker leading the Rays' bullpen after recording 41 saves during the regular season.
Even so, the Brewers proved difficult to match. Milwaukee claimed three victories by three runs or fewer in the series, relying on its relievers to preserve narrow advantages and finish off each win.
Oct 28, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers players celebrate with the Commissioner's Trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in game five to win the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
