Brewers could add rare historical distinction to first World Series title
Milwaukee led MLB with 103 wins and a plus-214 run differential. A victory over Tampa Bay would make it the 30th champion to lead both categories, by CBS Sports’ count.
The Milwaukee Brewers enter the 2026 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays with a chance to pair the franchise’s first championship with a rare statistical distinction. Milwaukee led MLB during the regular season with 103 wins and a plus-214 run differential; a Series victory would make it the 30th champion to lead both categories, according to CBS Sports’ count.
Both clubs are seeking their first World Series title, ESPN reported. Milwaukee reached the matchup by sweeping the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, while Tampa Bay advanced past the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Championship Series.
How rare is the Brewers’ potential distinction?
CBS Sports counts 29 winners with the best regular-season record and the best regular-season run differential across the previous 121 World Series between National and American League clubs. It calls the combination of those two leads and a championship a ‘Team Triple Crown.’ The label describes CBS Sports’ statistical category, rather than an award the Brewers have already secured.
Only three teams have completed that combination since the Division Series began in 1995, by CBS Sports’ count: the 1998 New York Yankees, 2016 Chicago Cubs and 2024 Dodgers. CBS Sports excludes the 2020 season from its tally because its regular season was shortened to 60 games. The Yankees have the most such seasons, with 12 among their 27 championships, the outlet said.
What could decide Brewers–Rays series?
ESPN’s preview identifies different pitching strengths for the finalists: Milwaukee’s bullpen has been the strongest among this year’s playoff teams, while Tampa Bay’s rotation has led that field. ESPN also rates the Brewers’ starters and the Rays’ relievers highly. That mix sets up a contest in which each club has more than one way to limit runs.
The teams have also excelled in different pressure situations, according to ESPN’s analysis. Tampa Bay had baseball’s best pitching in high-leverage situations during the season, while Milwaukee led in high-leverage hitting. ESPN pointed to Jackson Chourio’s two-run walk-off single against the Padres in the NL Division Series as an example of the Brewers’ timely offense.
Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy’s bullpen has had time to rest after the sweep of Los Angeles, ESPN wrote. On the other side, manager Kevin Cash has been able to use Tampa Bay’s leading relievers without overworking them. Four more Brewers wins would settle both the championship and CBS Sports’ historical distinction; until then, the regular-season leads are the part already established.
Read in depth: Sports
FIFA says it will answer UEFA’s questions about Infantino, without committing to November 2
FIFA says it intends to respond to questions from European Council members about Gianni Infantino’s governance, but has not said whether it will meet UEFA’s deadline.
Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo let Manchester United down
The former United manager said Ronaldo lacked the preparation and movement needed for the role he had planned for him during their brief time together at Old Trafford.
Sources and context
- How the Brewers could join elite company with World Series title after dominant regular seasonCBS Sports
- How Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers can win World SeriesESPN
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.