Misiorowski’s 103.5 mph Heater Sets World Series Record as Brewers Take Early 2-0 Lead

The 2026 World Series opened Friday night in Milwaukee with a matchup guaranteed to produce a first-time champion, and Game 1 wasted no time delivering a historic moment. On the first pitch of the Fall Classic, Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski fired a 103.5 mph fastball, reported in live MLB coverage as the fastest pitch in World Series history, and Milwaukee soon grabbed a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Game 1 of the 122nd World Series was scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at American Family Field, with Games 1 and 2 set in Milwaukee. The American League champion Rays started Nick Martinez against Misiorowski for the National League champion Brewers. The game was televised by FOX and FOX One.

Misiorowski’s opening fastball set an immediate tone and a record. The 103.5 mph pitch surpassed the previous World Series mark of 103.2 mph, thrown by Aroldis Chapman in 2016. With one delivery, Milwaukee’s hard-throwing right-hander added a notable entry to Series history before the game had fully settled in.

The Brewers then broke through in the bottom of the first inning. Jackson Chourio scored on Christian Yelich’s RBI triple, and Yelich came home moments later on William Contreras’ RBI single. At the time of the early live snapshot, Milwaukee led 2-0, with the game still in its opening innings.

The broader significance of this Series is unavoidable: one of these franchises will win its first championship. It is the first World Series since 1980 in which both teams entered still seeking their first title. Tampa Bay is making its third World Series appearance after losses in 2008 and 2020. Milwaukee is in the Series for only the second time, having previously fallen in 1982. The matchup has also been framed as a small-market success story, though the larger point is simpler — this year’s champion will be a new one.

The Rays reached the World Series by beating the Cleveland Guardians in six games in the ALCS, clinching the pennant on Oct. 19. The Brewers advanced by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.