Rays vs. Brewers Prediction, Odds and Props for Oct. 23: Milwaukee Takes Game 1

Written By Jason Green | Published at October 23, 2026

Rays vs. Brewers prediction for Game 1 of World Series. We have our picks as well as some solid value player prop bets. — Oct 11, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in game one of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

In Game 1 of the World Series, the Milwaukee Brewers play host to the Tampa Bay Rays. In this comprehensive Rays vs. Brewers prediction, we will lay out the game info, latest odds, betting trends, our picks, and some great value player prop bets.

One cool fact about this Fall Classic is that whoever wins will capture their first ever World Series title.

How They Got to the World Series

Rays

The Rays swept the New York Yankees in the ALDS and then, in the ALCS, were down 2-1 to the Cleveland Guardians but punched their ticket to the Fall Classic, winning the last three games by a combined score of 17-7.

Brewers

The Brewers beat the San Diego Padres in the NLDS in four games. After getting swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 NLCS, they got some payback by sweeping them in this season’s NLDS, totaling 19 runs in the last three games.

Rays vs. Brewers Odds

Here are the odds for Game 1 of the World Series at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Moneyline: Rays +162 / Brewers-198
Total (Over/Under): Over 6.5 runs (-112) / Under 6.5 runs (-108)
Run Line: Rays +1.5 runs (-147) / Brewers -1.5 runs (+122)

In Game 1 of the World Series, the Brewers are the big favorites, and in a moneyline example using $100, you bet $100 on the underdog Rays to win $162 and $198 on the favored Brewers to win $100.

You can find more information about the moneyline bet in our moneyline betting guide.

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends

The Rays are 7-2 in their nine playoff games.
They are 4-1 in their last five games.
They are 4-0 on the road in the playoffs.
They are 4-2 in their last six games as an underdog.
They have an Over/Under record of 4-4-1 in the playoffs.

In Tampa Bay’s one series against the Brewers this season, it was in Milwaukee, and they lost two of three games.

Milwaukee Brewers Betting Trends

The Brewers are 7-1 in the playoffs.
They are 5-0 in their last five games.
They are 4-0 at home in the playoffs.
They are 6-0 in their last six games as a favorite.
They have an Over/Under record of 3-4-1 in the playoffs, but the last three games have all gone Over.

The best MLB betting sites offer many World Series player and team prop bets.

Key Stats (Regular Season)

Rays

Runs Scored: 12th
Team ERA: 7th

Brewers

Runs Scored: 2nd
Team ERA: 2nd

Starting Pitching Matchup

Rays

Rather than go with staff ace Drew Rasmussen on regular rest, Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash opted to start Nick Martinez (15-6, 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) in Game 1. He started two playoff games, with the Rays winning both, and totaled nine innings, giving up three runs on seven hits. He faced the Brewers on the road in his first start of the season and gave up two runs in six innings in a 3-2 Rays win. This season, Martinez has logged 180 innings, striking out 109 and walking 26.

Always check the most popular US sportsbooks to take advantage of bonuses and promotions to pad your MLB bankroll.

Brewers

The Brewers will go with their ace in Game 1, likely NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob Misiorowski (16-5, 1.80 ERA, 0.80 WHIP), who led the Majors this season in ERA, strikeouts, and WHIP. The Brew Crew has won both of his playoff starts, in which he gave up three runs in 8 1/3 innings and struck out 11. He faced Tampa Bay in his second start this season, giving up two runs in six innings in a win. This season, The Miz has worked 174.2 innings with 252 strikeouts and 44 walks.

Rays vs. Brewers Prediction: Brewers ML -198

While the Rays are scrappy and Martinez has pitched well in the playoffs, I'm going with the Brewers, and it is pretty easy to see why. They have their ace in The Miz on the mound, they are undefeated at home in the playoffs, and they have a playoff bullpen ERA of 1.33 while Tampa’s is 3.60. I look for a close game, which is why I am staying away from the run line, but the Brew Crew will get the win and take a 1-0 series lead.

The top US sportsbooks will have competitive odds and no lack of bets for every game of the World Series.

Rays vs. Brewers Picks, Props and Best Bets

Jacob Misiorowski 7+ strikeouts: (-135, BetMGM) – The Miz led the Majors in strikeouts this season and had seven when he faced the Rays this season.
Nick Martinez Under 3.5 strikeouts: (-175, Bet365) – Martinez is not a strikeout pitcher and has under .35 strikeouts in five of his last six starts, including his two in the playoffs.
William Contreras to record 2+ bases: (+145, DraftKings) – Contreras leads the Brewers batting .367 with three home runs in the playoffs, and in Milwaukee’s seven playoff games he has 21 total bases.

Check out our prop betting guide to get all the key info for that type of bet.