William Contreras delivered a standout all-around performance as the Milwaukee Brewers opened the 2026 World Series with a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, helping the franchise secure its first Fall Classic win in 44 years.
Contreras made his presence felt at the plate and behind it Friday night at a sold-out American Family Field. The Brewers catcher recorded an RBI single, reached base three times, caught two runners stealing and successfully challenged two pitches through MLB’s Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system.
In a tightly contested Game 1, his contributions helped Milwaukee protect its lead and take an early advantage in the best-of-seven series.
Contreras Delivers at the Plate
Contreras finished 2-for-3 with a walk, providing a key offensive spark in the opening game.
His first-inning RBI single helped Milwaukee establish an early lead. The line drive came off his bat at 108.4 mph, making it the hardest-hit ball of the game, and gave the home crowd of 43,250 plenty to celebrate.
The hit also demonstrated that Milwaukee had not lost its rhythm despite a week-long break after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised Contreras for his impact on both sides of the game.
“This guy has been incredible,” Murphy said. “And he does both sides of the ball. And the side that you can’t measure.”
Murphy later described Contreras as the player of the game, highlighting how his contributions extended beyond the box score.
Two Caught Stealing Attempts Change the Game
Contreras’ defensive work proved just as important as his hitting.
Before Friday’s game, Tampa Bay had successfully stolen all 11 bases attempted during the postseason. Contreras ended that perfect run by throwing out two Rays runners.
In the fifth inning, he caught Victor Mesa Jr. attempting to steal third base with Yandy Díaz batting. The out ended the inning before Tampa Bay could capitalize on the scoring opportunity.
Contreras struck again in the seventh. After Abner Uribe struck out Chandler Simpson following a successful ABS challenge, Contreras fired a throw toward second base as Jonathan Aranda attempted to steal. Shortstop Cooper Pratt completed the tag, turning the play into an inning-ending double play.
The throws showcased Contreras’ arm strength, quick release and ability to influence the game at critical moments.
Following the performance, former MLB star David Ortiz gave the catcher a new nickname during the MLB on FOX postgame show: “Bazooka.”
ABS Challenges Help Brewers Pitchers
Contreras also demonstrated his game awareness by using the ABS challenge system effectively.
In the second inning, he challenged a pitch from Jacob Misiorowski that had initially been called a ball. The review overturned the call to a strike, helping set up a strikeout of Mesa.
In the sixth, Contreras challenged another pitch, this time a sinker to Simpson. The call was reversed, and Uribe eventually struck Simpson out on a slider.
Both successful challenges resulted in strikeouts, giving Milwaukee additional outs and helping its pitchers maintain control of the game.
A Key Mound Visit Gives Aaron Ashby a Boost
Contreras’ influence extended to the mound in the eighth inning.
With Milwaukee protecting a two-run lead, reliever Aaron Ashby threw a curveball well outside the strike zone, forcing Mesa to move out of the way. Contreras requested a new ball, walked to the mound and spoke directly to his pitcher.
Ashby said the conversation was largely one-sided, with him listening to the advice from his catcher.
“He knows the right times to speak and what to put down. He’s unbelievable,” Ashby said.
Although Contreras speaks Spanish as his primary language, he delivered his message to Ashby in English. Ashby declined to reveal the exact words but indicated that the message was about getting the ball into the strike zone.
The advice worked. Ashby struck out Mesa to complete a perfect eighth inning and continued his remarkable postseason run without allowing a run through 14 innings.
Contreras explained that he had made a point of speaking more firmly to his pitchers this season, hoping to give them confidence and encouragement when they needed it.
Contreras Has Been Milwaukee’s Offensive Leader
The catcher’s Game 1 performance continued an outstanding postseason.
According to the supplied game report, Contreras entered the World Series batting .394 with a .487 on-base percentage and a .697 slugging percentage. He had led the Brewers in October hits and home runs while drawing as many walks as strikeouts.
His offensive production has complemented his work with the pitching staff. Milwaukee’s pitchers entered the Fall Classic with a combined postseason ERA of 2.03, while the bullpen had recorded a 1.41 ERA and seven saves.
Christian Yelich praised Contreras’ determination and intensity, pointing to his commitment to doing whatever the team needs to win.
From Atlanta Trade to Milwaukee Standout
Contreras’ rise with Milwaukee followed a trade from the Atlanta Braves four years earlier.
At the time, Atlanta chose to prioritize Sean Murphy behind the plate and moved Contreras to the Brewers in a three-team deal. Contreras had already been an All-Star and hit 20 home runs during the season before the trade.
Since arriving in Milwaukee, he has established himself as one of baseball’s most productive catchers, combining offensive output with durability and defensive leadership.
That complete skill set was on display throughout Game 1, from his RBI single to the throws that stopped Tampa Bay’s running game.
Brewers Take Momentum Into Game 2
Milwaukee’s 3-2 victory gave the franchise a memorable start to its first World Series appearance in 44 years. The game was decided by narrow margins, making Contreras’ contributions behind the plate especially valuable.
His teammates delivered strong performances across the lineup and pitching staff, but Contreras influenced nearly every major turning point.
As the Brewers prepare for Game 2, his ability to guide the pitching staff, control the running game and produce at the plate will remain central to Milwaukee’s championship hopes.
For a team seeking its first World Series title, Contreras has already shown why his impact goes far beyond the traditional numbers.
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